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The BIBLE VIEW #968 — Murmuring

In This Issue:
Against God’s Anointed
Misery of Murmuring
Do We Dare Murmur?
Danger of Murmuring
Murmuring and Contentment

Volume: 968      July 22, 2024
Theme: Murmuring

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Against God’s Anointed
Bill Brinkworth

God uses men and women for His different purposes.  God has delegated many of the needs of His people to different ministries He knows are paramount.  One such need that God knows is important is to have a shepherd of a local assembly of believers.  That man is called a “pastor” or “preacher”.

Maybe because of jealousy that they are not called to the position of pastoring, or knowing they are not scripturally qualified for such a role of leadership, or perhaps they disagree with how he is performing his ministry, or have the belief they can do a better job than their pastor, many talk against and about their preacher.  What a dangerous mistake they make when they do so.

Throughout the Bible there are examples of how God dealt with those who rose and spoke against God’s man, such as:

  • When Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, Miriam was plagued with leprosy (Num. 12:9-10).
  • When the people of Israel spoke against God and Moses (Num. 21:5-6), God sent fiery serpents to chastise them for their sins.
  • When Korah and over 250 others spoke against Moses and Aaron (Num. 16:2-3), God allowed the earth to swallow Korah and the others up.
  • When children mocked God’s man, Elisha (II Kings 2:22-23), God allowed two she bears to destroy 42 mockers.
  • History tells us that Pontius Pilate, who ordered Jesus’ death, died by suicide.
  • Judas turned against Jesus and became so miserable about what he had done against Jesus that he killed himself (Mat. 27:5).
  • The thief who perished on the cross with Christ spoke against Jesus and did not get saved and go to Heaven.

David would not go against King Saul, even though the King did wrong several times against him.  David’s heart was, “The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’S anointed:…” I Samuel 26:11.  David knew it was wrong to oppose God’s man.  However, today, many do not restrain themselves from talking against or doing ill against the leader God has placed over the local church.

The pastor of any church certainly is not perfect.  No one will agree with everything anyone does, let alone the many decisions the local shepherd has to make.  He probably would not agree with all we do, either.  However, he is the leader of the local church that God has for this time and should be obeyed, respected, and encouraged.  Unless scriptural error is involved, God takes him home, or God relocates him, he is to stay the church leader. 

** Murmur: A muttered or subdued grumble or complaint **

Belittling and questioning his ministries does much damage:

  • Murmuring against God’s man is a sin, and sin can only harm one’s life.  One will not be all one can be with any iniquity in one’s life.
  • Murmuring about another’s work for Christ will put one in a position of judging (Mat. 7:1), and that is the Holy Spirit’s job, in most situations, not ours.
  • Complaining about the pastor or any other church leader or facet of the church will only spread discontent among others.  It will sow seeds of discord and, in most cases, will only hinder, not build, the ministry (Proverbs 6:16-19).  Division among members will result when leadership is opposed.
  • Speaking against the pastor or another God-appointed leader could hinder the Holy Spirit of God from working in lives or could bring the wrath of God on violators.
  • Speaking ill against God’s leader will not encourage the pastor to do all he can.  It discourages most pastors, and the body of Christ will surely suffer.
  • When we talk about or question what the pastor is doing (or other church leaders, for that matter), we are negating his authority to the listeners.  If our children hear us roast the preacher after a sermon, it may not be long until the children lose respect for his ministry and do not heed the biblical advice that is delivered from the pulpit or classroom. 

    One day, the parent may wonder why their children are not following what was taught in church from the Bible.  They would never suspect their bad-mouthing of the preacher in their home had taught them that if the parents do not respect the pastor, they do not have to either.
  • Murmuring against the man of God will hinder the effect any ministry has on the neighboring community if any disunity among church members is heard by them.

Aaron and Hur knew a principle about helping the man of God that would encourage and support any pastor today.  They noticed that when Moses’ arms were up while directing a battle, Israel had the victory over the enemy.  When the leader was tired and had no strength to lift his arms, the battle was in the favor of the enemy.  Aaron and Hur made sure their leader’s arms were held high so that they would get the victory.  They physically held up their leader’s arms.

If more people would realize that honoring God’s man is honoring Godand His work and would encourage and help their pastor, more spiritual battles would be won. More pastors would be encouraged.  Lift your leader’s arms, do not force them down!

“If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything!” — My Mother



Misery of Murmuring?
T. Brooks

Every murmurer is their own executioner. 

  • Murmuring vexes the heart. 
  • It wears and tears the heart. 
  • It enrages and inflames the heart. 
  • It also wounds and stabs the heart.

Every murmurer is their own destroyer.  No man is as miserable as the gossiper is.  No man hath such inward gripes and griefs, and bitterness and heaviness as he who complains.  Every murmurer is their own tormentor. 

  • Murmuring is a fire within that will burn up all. 
  • It is an earthquake within that will overturn everything.
  • It is a disease within that will infect all.
  • It is a poison within that will prey upon all.

“The very word murmur, how simple it is.  It is comprised of two infantile sounds — ‘mur mur’.  There is no sense in it; no wit, or no thought in it.  It is the cry rather of a brute than of a man.  Murmur — just a double groan.” 
— Spurgeon



Do We Dare Murmur?
John Bate

The Lord of the harvest has the right to come and take any part of His grain from the field, in whatever condition it may be.  He may pluck it up in the tiny spiral blade or in the blooming ear.  He may let it grow until it bends under its weight and shines its golden richness. 

It does not become the grain to murmur at the proprietor’s conduct.  It was his grain before it was sown, his land in which it was planted, and his servants who sowed it. 

Has the grain any right to complain of its proprietor?  No more have we of God in any of His doings with us.  Can He not do as He chooses with His own?  Shall not the Judge of all the Earth do right?

“If you’re busy rowing the boat, you won’t have time to rock it!”
— Author Unknown



Danger of Murmuring
T. Brooks

Caesar prepared a great feast for his nobles and friends.  Unfortunately, it was a miserable day.  He was so displeased by the rainy weather that he commanded all the men who had bows to shoot up their arrows at Jupiter, their chief “god,” in defiance of him for the rainy weather.  When they shot them, they, of course, fell short of their target, and the arrows came back to Earth.  In so doing, the arrows fell upon their heads so that many of them were wounded.

All of our murmurings and complaining, which are as so many arrows shot at God himself, will one day return upon ourselves.  They will never reach Him, but they will hit us.  They will not hurt God, but they will wound us.  Therefore, it is better to be mute than to murmur. 

Murmuring and Contentment
Trench

Some murmur when their sky is clear
And wholly bright to view,
If one small speck of dark appear
In their great heaven of blue;
And some with thankful love are filled
If but one streak of light,
One ray of God’s good mercy, gild
The darkness of their night.

In palaces are hearts that ask,
In discontent and pride,
Why life is such a dreary task,
And all good things denied?
And hearts in poorest huts admire
How love has in their aid
(Love that not ever seems to tire)
Such rich provision made.

 “Ten minutes’ praying is better than a year’s murmuring.” — Spurgeon

The BIBLE VIEW #967 — No One Gets Away with Sin!

In This Issue:
“… They Shall Know That I Am the Lord”
“How Many Do You Count Me?”
The Hand of God Was Against Them
Retaliation?

Volume: 967      July 22, 2024
Theme: No One Gets Away with Sin

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“… They Shall Know That I Am The Lord.”
Bill Brinkworth

While reading the book of Ezekiel, a phrase that occurred 24 times made me curious.  It is the phrase “…they shall know that I am the Lord”.  Although Ezekiel’s warnings and prophecies were to the Jews before and after the fall and capture of Jerusalem (around 587 BC), today, we can also learn from God’s warnings to those people.  What angered God then, if repeated today, will also anger Him now.

My first query when I encountered the phrase was, “How did they know God was judging them?”  The context around those phrases revealed what happened to them when the wrath of God was upon them.  Here is a summation of how they suffered when God used circumstances to teach them a lesson:

  • Their land became unprofitable and a wasteland.  In comparing what wayward Israel suffered, I see many similarities in what is happening to America today.  Our country is not providing what it once did.  Not very long ago, our country provided much for other nations.  Today, our country relies on too many things from different countries.  It may not be long until God’s wrath makes us more desolate.  Lack of jobs and failure of the economy also happened to Israel.  (Ez. 6:14, 29:9)
  • They reaped what they had sown.  (Ez. 7:27) When any country, be it Israel or America, turns against God and does not follow His principles and precepts, they cannot expect God’s hand to bless and protect them.
  • God scattered them among the nations and dispersed them in other countries (Ez. 12:15).  Today, we also have battles worldwide, and our soldiers are dispersed throughout the lands.  Some workforces are dispersing their employees to other countries to work.
  • Men and women suffered from the sword (Ez. 26:6).
  • God sent pestilences and allowed violence in the streets.  (Ez. 28:23)  We have helped countries battle pestilences, and now we are fighting them in our land.  Growing police forces and overpopulated prisons prove violence is increasing today.
  • God enabled an enemy to act against them (Ez. 30:25).
  • The enemy would infiltrate their own country (Ez. 30:26).
  • A fire was sent to devour them (Ez. 28:18).
  • They lost their freedom.  Today, our liberties are legislated away, and we, too, are slowly being enslaved by the government.

My next question when encountering the phrase “…They shall know that I am the Lord,” was what was it they were doing that God would not tolerate?  Since God has not changed what he would not tolerate then, He will not accept today.  Here are some of the things He would not tolerate and judged His people because of their commissions of these violations:

  • Idolatry, which is the worshipping of other “Gods”.  The “god” of certain religions is not the God of the Bible.  The false teaching that there are many ways to get to Heaven is not biblical and encourages many people to allow idolatry, even if the religion is labeled “Christian”.
  • They were rebellious against God (Ez. 12:9).  They were not obeying His commandments.
  • They spoke against God’s people (Ez. 25:8, 26:2).  Although these verses were prophetic, lately, we can see governments taking sides against God’s people, Israel, and Christians.    
  • They defiled His sanctuaries (Ez. 28:18) by not worshipping the way God expected them to worship.  Are we not doing similar things by changing His Word, worshipping Him the way we think we should worship Him, mocking and cursing His name, and justifying away His creation and plan?
  • They boasted against God (Ez. 35:13) and spoke against Him.  This is done by many today, who tell others how to treat God and how to live.  Every man is doing what seems right in his own eyes. 
  • They had evil ways (Ez. 36:31) and personal sins.  Our nation can also be judged for our own personal, contagious sins.

Ezekiel certainly cannot be summed up in so few words.  However, it does contain warnings.  We can learn from these cautions against people who were doing wrong so we do not repeat what they did. 

It appears, however, that history is repeating itself.  Throughout the world, people are doing the same things that Ezekiel warned ancient Israel of.  The people of Ezekiel’s day did not get away with their sins, and we certainly will not.  We can stop the vicious cycle by changing our lives and doing what God wants us to do — today.

How Many Do You Count Me?
Author Unknown

When Antigonus was ready to engage in a sea fight with Ptolemy’s armada, the pilot cried out, “How many are they more than we?”

The courageous king replied, “’Tis true, if you count their numbers, they surpass us, but for how many do you value me?”

When our enemies come upon us like a flood, threatening to devour us with rage and fury, let us remember that though we are few, and they are many, our God is the God of salvation.  He must be counted far more than all that are against us.

“Man is unjust, but God is just, and finally justice triumphs.”
— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The Hand of God Was Against Them
C. Buck

Many say it is a presumption in pronouncing calamities of sinners are particular judgments from God.  A study was made of many cruel persecuting tyrants who delighted in tormenting their fellow creatures.  

The study revealed that they died not the common deaths of most men.  They suffered plagues and fatalities that were horrible and strange.  Even a skeptic would be moved by the evidence and would be apt to suspect that the hand of God was on their demise.  Here are some biblical-related examples:

  • Herod the Great attempted to destroy the baby Jesus Christ Himself by ordering the deaths of all the male children that were in and near Bethlehem.  The historian Josephus reported that Herod had a long and grievous fever, a voracious appetite, difficulty breathing, swelling of his limbs, loathsome ulcers, violent torments, and convulsions, so much that he endeavored to kill himself.  The Jews thought his evils to be Divine judgments upon him for his wickedness.
  • Herod Antipas beheaded John the Baptist and treated Christ contemptuously when He was brought before him.  Aretas, an Arabian king, defeated Herod, and his dominions were taken from him.  He was sent into banishment, along with his infamous wife, Herodias.
  • Herod Agrippa killed James, the brother of John, and put Peter in prison.  The angel of the Lord soon smote him, and he was eaten of worms and died.
  • Judas, who betrayed our Lord, died by his own hands.
  • Pontius Pilate, who condemned Jesus to death, was, not long afterward, deposed from his office, banished from his country, and died by his own hand.
  • The wicked high priest Caiaphas condemned Christ for fear of disobliging the Romans.  He was turned out of his office by the Roman governor, whom he had sought to oblige.
  • Ananias was the high priest who persecuted Paul and ordered him to be smitten on the mouth (Acts 23:2, 24:1).  He was slain, together with his brother, by his own son.
  • Domitian persecuted the Christians and was said to be the one who threw John into a cauldron of boiling oil.  He was later banished to the isle of Patmos and murdered by his own people.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:7-8

Retaliation?
Sunday

Seth Joshua, one of the leaders of the great Welsh revival of generations past, once arrived in a town where he was scheduled to preach and found placards everywhere announcing the “Great Seth Joshua”.  They told all about him but were advertising a stage imitation of the minister at a local theatre that night.  Grotesque drawings promised much fun at the expense of the servant of the Lord. 

The theatre was packed that night, and the crowd cheered as the actor came on the stage in perfect imitation of preacher Joshua.  The actor raised his arms as he circled the stage, burlesquing the Bible and the evangelist.

The third time around, the actor fell with a thud, and a hushed audience soon discovered that he was dead.  God does not hold His wrath forever.

“True justice brings joy to the righteous and fear to the evil.”
—Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #966— Fear

In This Issue:
Stopping Worrisome Thoughts
Hand Them Over to God
When Fear Is Sinful
Be Not Afraid

Volume: 966      July 15, 2024
Theme: Fear

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Stopping Worrisome Thoughts
Bill Brinkworth

Like so many, Asaph was troubled and pondered his situation as he lay down to sleep. Bedtime, while overwhelmed with concern, is an excellent time to talk to the Lord about problems. Asaph did just that (Psalm 77:1-3).  However, as do most, the more he thought about his predicament, the larger the problem seemed.

After the musician’s constant contemplation of his calamity continued, more terrible thoughts added to his dilemma.  “Will God no longer help me (Psalm 77:7)?  Will His mercy never intervene on my behalf (Psalm 77:8) again?  Because of God’s anger, will He never again be gracious (Psalm 77:9) to me?

Rather than letting his worrisome thinking make matters worse, his logic and memory returned, putting the situation back into perspective.  Asaph recalled the years that God had helped in the past (Psalm 77:10-19).  He reasoned and was reassured that God would do them again!

People need to pull themselves out of the destructive worry cycle. Instead of being frightened and overwhelmed by the vast mountain of troubles they may face, they need to look back and remember all that God had done for them in the past. That is what Asaph did, and fear and hopelessness were replaced by faith and hope.

If our walk and relationship with the Lord are the same as when God delivered us in the past, He will do it again.  Our warranty with the Lord has not run out.  He is the same God who helped us face the last mountain of fear in the past.  He will see to it that His will for our lives is accomplished!

“Anxiety springs from the desire that things should happen as we wish rather than as God wills.” — Author Unknown

 Hand Them Over to God
Bill Brinkworth

Fear is an emotion that all experience.  David wrote about his fearsome feelings often. In Psalm 56, he admitted that he was struggling with many things that made him afraid.

David daily faced enemies (Psalm 56:1-2). Peace must have escaped him as he was often cautious of attacks. Not knowing who or where he would be attacked, physically or mentally, would have most people on edge.

The leader’s enemies twisted his words around (“wrest”) — Psalm 56:5.  Quite often, I imagine, he had to defend himself from their convoluted remarks and slander, much like those currently hurled at ex-President Trump. Much of what the president says is misinterpreted and bent to make him look bad to the public. David seemingly faced a similar battle with his opponents.  Having what you have said being constantly misquoted and questioned would also put one on alert and cause cautiousness.

David’s adversaries regularly watched what he was doing to find something that could be misconstrued as being wrong. He was under the intense scrutiny of many wanting him to fail or to find a weak point where he could be rebuked.  His demise was often planned and discussed in private meetings (Psalm 56:6, 8).

In all that he faced and feared, his defense, often his offense, was the Lord. He had faced so many troubles and trials that he learned an invaluable lesson.  One cannot handle most problems onself. David was determined to let go and let God handle his opposition. When he was afraid, it was the perfect time to trust God — again!
“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Psalm 56:3

David’s fear subsided when he turned his troubles over for the Lord to handle. That is one thing all should know. We cannot handle most troublesome predicaments. We need help, and that help is, again, just a prayer call away.
“In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” Psalm 56:11

“Don’t try to hold God’s hand; let Him hold yours. Let Him do the holding, and you the trusting.”  — Webb-Peploe

When Fear Is Sinful
C. Buck

Being afraid is sinful when:

  • It proceeds from unbelief or distrust of God.
  • When it ascribes more to a frightening situation than is due.
  • When we fear a situation without considering that God is in control.
  • When we fear that God cannot be trusted or that He will break His promises.
  • When our fear is extreme and that fear distracts us from living everyday life.



Be Not Afraid
Bill Brinkworth

Fear is one of the biggest stumbling blocks most youth and adults face.  We are afraid of what could happen, what did happen, or what others may think.

We fear for safety, and we fear because of the unknown.  Is there something under the bed or beyond the next dark corner?  Will the bully be there today?  Will I answer incorrectly in class, and will the kids think of me as stupid and laugh?  Young stomachs are tied in knots because of something an adult meant figuratively (“I’ll kill him” or “the hurricane will blow us away”).  Adult stomachs, eaten by years of worrying, can develop ulcers.

We fear.  We fret.  All is in vain: “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” (Mat. 6:27)  What good will worry do?  It won’t make you taller or thinner.  It never solves situations; it just adds to the problem.

Over 50 times in the Bible, we are admonished not to be afraid, including:

When Moses prepared the people for their new life in a new land, he told them of the enemies they would face and not to fear them:
“Thou shalt not be afraid of them: but shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt;” Deut. 7:18
Instead of worrying about what could happen, remember how God has helped you in the past and how He will again, if you ask.

God reminded Israel that when it looked out-matched and outnumbered, He was still with them and could help them.
“When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” Deut. 20:1
Remember who God is and how no one is a match against Him.

Being outnumbered means nothing to God.  Nothing is impossible with God.
“… Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” II Chron.  20:15
“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

Nehemiah had a seemingly impossible task before him: rebuilding a city.  To make matters worse, the government and others tried to stop him from his mission, but he still remembered God was on his side.
“And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” Nehemiah 4:14

David, the great warrior and leader, also had fears.  He reminded us not to be:
Fearful of getting hurt.
“In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” Psalm 56:11
“And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.” Luke 12:4

  • Afraid of the night or enemies.
    “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;” Psalm 91:5
  • Afraid of what could happen during your sleep.
    “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” Proverb 3:24
  • Afraid of fear itself or being alone.
    “Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.” Proverb 3:25

Life has many questionable twists and turns.  They can be daunting and frightening at times.  However, a Christian does not need to be alarmed or troubled.  The Christian is never alone.  His heavenly Father looks over him day and night.  Nothing can happen to a believer without the Father’s knowing, and He can keep His children safe.

“The powerful hydrochloric acid can burn much of what it touches, including human skin.  Put it in a glass bottle, and it will stay there forever without doing any damage.

“Worry can be as destructive to people as that acid, but put it in the right container, and it will do no harm.  That right container is our Lord’s hands.  Don’t try to handle worry.  Give it to God.” — B. B.

The BIBLE VIEW #965 — Christian Service

In This Issue:
God’s Toolbox
Do What You Can
God Uses the Faithful

Volume: 965      July 8, 2024
Theme: Service

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God’s Toolbox
Bill Brinkworth

Every handyman has a toolbox in which his tools are stored.  Since maintenance repairs are varied, so are his tools.

The box usually does not contain just hammers or screwdrivers.  It is filled with different tools to help fix whatever may be broken.  Most likely, there are wrenches, saws, screwdrivers, hammers, sockets, and many others.  There is much to be maintained.

Just as a person maintains what one has, or at least should, God also has tasks around His creation that also need attention.  He has angels and other heavenly creatures who do His bidding.  On Earth, He often uses people to meet the needs of mankind.  

To accomplish what the Master requires, God gives His workers specific tools to get His job done.  No, the tools are not hammers, wrenches, or saws.  The tools provided to each of His born-again family members are special, spiritual gifts.  When God meets the needs of a person or a group, He often selects one to complete the task utilizing the gift God has given the person to accomplish what needs to be done.

The tools to meet man’s everyday needs, both spiritual and physical, have changed as church ages have progressed.  Before God had man compile the complete Word of God, He handled mankind’s needs differently.  

Since the early church did not have His written guidelines, He presented people with other abilities; many of them are referred to as sign gifts.  They were “signs” that God was with His people.  

Those nine spiritual gifts included words of wisdom and knowledge, faith, healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12: 8-10).  Many of these gifts stopped or changed when “that which is perfect is come” (1 Corinthians 13:10: the Bible.

 When the Bible was made available to people, they were to live by faith (II Corinthians 5:7, Galatians 3:1) and no longer needed to live by sight.  Christians no longer needed the “proof” by miracles.

God is not done with mankind yet.  He still has big plans for those willing to turn to and heed Him. Although God still does miracles, the believer no longer needs the sign gifts of the early church because they have God’s written instructions.  Instead of “sign gifts” to accomplish the tasks God desires, He equips the child of God with at least one of seven gifts (Romans 12:6-8) that He has provided for this church age.  These gifts are the tools God knows will be necessary to do the tasks He requires.  These “tools” include:

Prophecy.  This gift of prophecy is not the same as the early church had.  They were able to foretell the future.  We no longer need to foretell the future, as God has recorded all He desires us to know about it in His preserved Word.  That ability to predict the future has stopped (1 Corinthians 13:8).

Prophecy also can mean, as Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines it, “to preach; to instruct in religious doctrines; to interpret or explain Scripture or religious subjects …” This is an essential gift still needed amongst today’s believers.  This gift from God enables certain believers who have read and studied the Word of God to help other believers by sharing its meaning.  These people can shed light on a dark situation in a person’s life and can tell a troubled person God’s solution to the problem, according to God’s Word.

Ministry.  Another essential tool needed to support the needs of God’s people is the gift of meeting the needs of and ministering to others.  The service to others often does not get the spotlight it should, but the body of Christ suffers when the possessor of this gift does not exercise it.  

The gift of ministry has no limits as to what it can encompass.  When a need is seen, service can be rendered by feeding those who cannot feed themselves, bringing children to church who cannot get there themselves, pushing an invalid in a wheelchair, helping a sick person recover, helping the deaf “hear” the Gospel by signing for them, cleaning the church’s restrooms, and on and on.  People’s needs are so many.

Teaching.  Just as a student in school needs guidance to understand required subjects, so does the child of God need a teacher who has the gift of teaching the truths of the Bible.  God has given some the gift to teach the principles, doctrines, and facts found in His Word.  As the eunuch told Philip when he could not understand the scriptures, “… How can I, except some man should guide me? …” (Acts 8:31).

Exhorting.  Exhorting is an essential tool that God has given certain believers.  This gift is used to encourage and comfort fellow believers.  Many more would be encouraged and still be fruitful in the ministry if more spiritual cheerleaders were urging Christian soldiers onward.

Giving.  Anyone can get and take, but with the tool of giving, God has for some, many have the desire to give and give.  They give of themselves, their time, and often their finances.  Most churches physically would not exist if givers had not provided for their existence.  Many are encouraged to serve and live for God because someone thought them important enough to give time and energy to help them.

Ruling (Leadership).  Too many want to be boss, but God does not give this gift of ruling the local flock of believers to everyone.  With this gift, a leader can lead and encourage the work of God to grow and accomplish much.  He also has wisdom in the administration of the church and other ministries.

Mercy.  In a very angry world, this unique tool can soothe and aid those in hard times.  With this gift of kindness and understanding, many are given second chances and encouraged to keep serving and obeying the Lord, no matter what has happened.  It is because of this gift that some have that many lives have been changed.

God loves His people and wants to help us.  He also wants us to help others.  With the tools He has given all believers, if they are used the way God intends, the body of believers can be strengthened, encouraged, and able to accomplish much for the glory of God.  

Unfortunately, too many have never recognized their gift or even taken it out of the “box” and used it.  The church is weaker than it should be because too many believers are not utilizing what God has given them.  

Today, pray and study the gifts found in Romans 12:6-8.  Ask the Lord to help you realize what gift or gifts are yours.  When He shows you, use that special tool.  We are saved not just to sit but to serve.  We believers would be much stronger and able to accomplish more if we would all use our spiritual gifts.

The full-length version of this lesson is found at: http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/lessons/toolbox.html.

“Service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy.”

Do What You Can
Author Unknown

We cannot all be heroes,
And thrill a hemisphere,
With some great daring venture
Some deed that mocks at fear;
But we can fill a lifetime
With kindly acts and true;
There’s always noble service
For noble hearts to do.

We cannot all be preachers,
And sway with voice and pen,
As strong winds sway the forest,
The mind and hearts of men;
But we can be evangels
To souls within our reach;
There’s always Love’s own gospel
For loving hearts to preach.

We cannot all be martyrs,
And win a deathless name
By some Divine baptism,
Some ministry of flame;
But we can live for truth’s sake,
Can do for Christ and dare;
There’s always faithful witness
For faithful hearts to bear.

“Service is not a list of things to do — it is a way of life.”

God Uses the Faithful
Bill Brinkworth

Despite previous warnings (Acts 23) not to go to Jerusalem, where it was prophesied he would face trials and tribulations, Paul went.  The fearless evangelist was burdened to give out the message that had transformed his life.  He endured beatings, near assassinations, and cruel treatment.  He was determined not to quit or turn back.

After a day when Paul was beaten, accused by hypocrites, and almost pulled to pieces (vs. 10) by an angry mob, the Lord verbally encouraged the preacher (vs. 11).  In the encouraging remarks, the Lord told the evangelist that as he had testified for the Lord in Jerusalem, he must next be a witness the same way in Rome.  

For Paul’s faithful, non-teetering service, the Lord rewarded Paul with more opportunities to serve Him. Paul had shown himself faithful in the tasks he was given, and God was going to use him further.

Many need to understand that God will usually use a person for more and more incredible things if one had first done all one was previously required to do.  Some are sitting around waiting for the Lord to call them to be a minister in a faraway land, but refuse to do anything for the Lord while they are waiting.  

Some have grand ideas of preaching heart-rending sermons to jam-packed stadiums but will not take the time or the opportunity to preach to a Sunday school class of just one child.  Others will go to years of Bible college to learn more wonderful truths of the Word of God but will not share their biblical knowledge with those around them.  Many will never be used any further for the cause of Christ because they have failed to obey God’s command in baptism, tithing, or church attendance.

God wants to use us.  The small tasks He speaks to our hearts about or the little, daily opportunities He allows us to stand up as a testimony for the Saviour are the training and testing God wants us to go through.  An all-seeing God is observing daily occasions we have to be a witness for the Saviour.

God will use a person who has proven himself faithful in what he has already been shown to do.  The next time the Lord needs something done for His cause in your area, will the He automatically think of you, as you have always done what He has asked you to do?  Or will he look for another that has already obeyed His commandments?

“God reigns in the hearts of His servants.”

The BIBLE VIEW #964— Hard Times

In This Issue:
Why Me? 
In Moody’s Bible
God Knows the Way
The “Bad” Times

Volume: 964      July 1, 2024
Theme: Hard Times

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Why Me?
Bill Brinkworth

Paul was a man used greatly by God.  With God’s helping hand, this evangelist survived shipwrecks, beatings, persecutions, imprisonments, and other ill-treatments.  With God’s miraculous help, this man was used in healings, revivals, and many miracles.  However, as used of God as he was, Paul still had a personal aliment (II Corinthians 12: 7)

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

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

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

Paul chose not to be foolish and get angry at God.  He decided that if God allowed him to go through the problem, he would have a good attitude about it (vs. 10) and give God the glory.  In doing so, Paul was learning precisely what God wanted him to learn: that when he was weak, he was the strongest with God’s help (vs. 10)!

Some cry, “Why me?” when they go through a trial.  My question to them is, “Why shouldn’t it be you?”


In Moody’s Bible
Dr. Harry Ironside

In the margin of Moody’s Bible, opposite Phillippians 4:19, I found his notes there:

  • “The Christian’s banknote: from the bank’s President — ‘My God’.
  • Promise to pay —  ‘Shall supply’.
  • The amount — ‘all you need’.
  • The bank’s capital — ‘according to his riches in glory.’
  • The cashier’s name — ‘Christ Jesus’”.

Moody noted that the amount was left blank for each to write in the measure of his need.  Fortunately, Heaven’s bank is always available.  The Cashier is always present.  The capital of the bank has never been impaired.

The Christian is to ask, according to his present need, and must use at once the riches provided.  Christ’s promises are more than beautiful sentiments to be hung on the wall for decorative purposes.  They are not intended as life savers for use only in time of shipwreck.  There is no excuse for spiritual poverty in the presence of such divine provision.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19


God Knows the Way
Author Unknown

God knows the way of the righteous,
Even though it be dark and drear,
He knows when we’re tired and weary,
Our burdens to heavy to bear;
We ask, as the shadows lengthen,
“Lord, lift Thou this burden of care!”
And often, His voice replieth,
“My child, I placed it for you there!
With grace that is all-sufficient,
That you might grow stronger in Me,
So trust, weary child, your Father,
He knoweth and careth for thee!”

“When life knocks you to your knees, pray there.”

The “Bad” Times
Bill Brinkworth

No one likes troubles, trials, and tribulations, but we all will or have had them.  Since we will all encounter them in our lives, viewing them in the proper light only makes sense.

Those “bad” times many times are sent by God to make us into what He desires us to be.  They will teach us lessons in life’s school that will never leave us the same.  It can be for this reason God preserved the words in James 1:2-4:
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [trials] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

We are to take these challenging times as “joyful times.”  How can anything as miserable as some have experienced be joyful?  Usually, a lesson is learned, and thankfulness is realized after the fire of tribulation is passed through – when we’re out on the other side of the calamity.  It is then we can have “joy.”

After one goes through so many “temptations” and remembers how they benefited from those experiences, one can develop the right attitude the next time unpleasantness comes into view.  “Ah, I don’t like the class, but the lesson I will learn will be worth it.”

The Bible gives us many reasons why hard times come into our lives.  Those amidst trials learn many lessons:

  • Some did not learn their lesson when taking the “course”.  Later, they faced more challenging training further down life’s path because they never learned it the first time.
  • Sometimes, those tempestuous times are meant to strengthen us.  We can be made stronger when awed at His deliverance from the impossible.  When we reach that point, we can look back and say, “Only God could have gotten me through that”.
    “He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.” Deut. 10:21
  • Other times, our turbulent trials build our faith after seeing what God has done.  After passing through enough tests and remembering how we were delivered in the past, we have faith that He will guide us through the next difficulty.
    “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.”  I Samuel 12:24
  • Part of what happens when our faith is strengthened is that we are taught.  We learn more about Him, what He can and will not do, and His other character traits when we see God work.

Many lessons can be taught from life’s trials.  When they were led through the wilderness, Israel learned to fear and obey God.  Jonah’s experience also taught him to follow – the first time.  Paul’s blinding experience on the road to Damascus taught him there was only one way to please God, and it was His way, not the traditions or religions of man.  After Jesus healed the blind man from a lifetime of darkness, the man learned of His power.  All these events changed the lives of the ones going through what they had originally thought were unwanted times.  What would they have been like if they didn’t go through them?

Certainly, tough times can change us.  Jonah’s attitude changed after his stay in the whale’s belly.  Saul had a new perspective on persecuted Christians after he was one.  Joseph certainly appreciated all the hardships he went through when he saw how it prepared him for his future.  We can lose all our self-righteousness in a hurry when we face trials and realize that only God can make a difference during those times.

Reading the Scriptures, one can quickly see how the hard times were used to teach God’s people how He could protect them.  God used hornets, earthquakes, darkness, disease, fear, and water, to name a few, to guard and direct His own.  What an unforgettable lesson must have been learned when they saw the mighty works of their protective Father.

Hard times can also direct us.  The trials we go through many times change our direction and put us on the course He desires – much like the detour that no one likes.  If the detour did not change our route, we would end up in the construction workers’ freshly dug trench, possibly damaging our vehicle and ourselves.  The many extra miles were worth the aggravation we could have faced in the body shop or the hospital.  When we look back on what could have happened, we can be joyful about what did not occur and thankful for God’s direction.

Not all trials are punishment from God, but some are.  Our miseries can be an act of God to correct us when we do wrong.  A suitable punishment will change wrong behavior – and quickly.  When God’s people were doing wrong, God sent enemies, bondage, plagues, and a host of other deterrents to change their mindset.  Parents sometimes have to punish their children for wrong behavior; our heavenly Father sometimes needs to do this, too.

Not too many people get excited when terrible things happen to them, but as you will learn if you have not already, there is much to be learned from the “bad times.”  Not one spiritual and close-to-God Christian got that way without going through many heartaches.  Sometimes, the most spiritual have gone through the most.  There is a connection.  Hard times can have a positive effect on us if we learn our lesson properly.

The BIBLE VIEW #963 — Obedience

In This Issue:
I Should’ve Done It Right the First Time
A Better Work
Standing on the Inside
Obey God
A Child’s Song

Volume: 963      June 24, 2024
Theme: Obedience


I Should’ve Done It Right the First Time
Bill Brinkworth

The strong winds of a rainstorm pushed over a large 10’ by 10’ entranceway to my garden.  On it hung the foliage of two seedless grape plants.  The growth was massive, totaling at least 300 pounds.  There the plant support lay after the storm, a tangled mess of plant and split oak posts.

When I built it, I knew I was using the wrong materials.  I figured termites would appear out of nowhere and gobble the structure, but I did not want to spend the money at the time to buy the right timber and build it right.  The future of the plants was not important to me at the time.  However, the little creatures did find a meal, and it took a wind to emphasize the damage they had done.

Looking at the jumbled mess, I thought, “I should have done it right the first time.  I ended up spending the money anyway.”

People go through life making similar discoveries.  They learn the biblical way to live when they are younger.  They heard testimony after testimony of how people learned about life the hard by making bad decisions that made their life not come out the way they wanted. 

When hearing the testimonies, the young listeners vowed not to mess up their lives the same way.  They purposed to be a good Christian, follow God’s commandments as closely as possible, and stay far from sin. 

Often, when going through their teenage years, they fell for similar distractions and soon found their lives also in a tangled mess.  With multiple marriages in their past, a habit of smoking, broken relations with families, legal problems, wrong decisions after wrong decisions, or other damage done by involvement in sin, they one day realized that they should have done their lives right the first time.  They should have lived as God commanded in His Word because any other way does not work!

After purchasing pressure-treated lumber and rebuilding the arbor correctly, my next task was sorting out the mangled vines to salvage as much developing fruit as possible.  Patiently, I went through each vine and, to my surprise, learned something else. 

I realized that the plants were mostly vines and little fruit.  I cut away much of the unproductive vines, disturbing one little toad, and one by one, cut away what did not have any fruit and put what was left on its new support.  What now remained was at least one-third of what originally had been growing.

One may learn a similar lesson after getting to a point where one wants to start all over again and live the way God says to in His Word.  It may be realized that a previous life-style was unproductive and even a waste of time before living God’s way.  

Activities and things dumped for unscriptural living are often later seen as unimportant and hardly worth the priority given to them.  That new car we had to have and the second job we needed to pay for it was not worth the time we missed seeing our children grow up and raising them properly.  A fine house was a “must,” but it forced both parents to work, forcing the children to be raised by someone else with standards that were not the mother’s and father’s. 

Church services that could have helped were missed because sports games were placed at a higher value.  Now, we cannot even remember who played who or where the games were.  All those things and other vain activities are now seen as a waste of our time and, in the long run, did not satisfy or help us.

Learn the lesson I learned from my collapsed grape arbor.  We only have one life, and it needs to be lived the right way. 

The world has no clue what the right way is.  They try to fill their spiritual emptiness with activity and things.  Those things are a temporary cover-up of real needs. 

We are created to serve God, and His leadership is the only way we will ever have joy and fulfillment.  Live your life according to the way His Word guides.  God has raised billions of children, and when they do it His way, they will do it the right way the first time.

“Don’t pray to give God instructions — just report for duty!”
 — Author Unknown

A Better Work
C. H. Spurgeon

“The ship is on fire!” was shouted.  The bales of cotton were pouring black, horrible smoke.  Safety was in question. 

Passengers and crew were in extreme danger, but a capable captain was in command.  He told those around him, “If you behave yourselves, I think I can get all to safety.  All will be spared if you follow my instructions!”

If they trusted the captain, they would do as he ordered.  No sailor or engineer would refuse to work the pumps or prepare the boats, neither would any passenger disobey any rule.  

Because of confidence in their leader, they obeyed him at once.  They believed his orders were wise, so they kept them.  Neither their fear nor rashness would lead them to rush to and fro contrary to his bidding.  When the boats were lowered and brought one by one to the ship’s side, those who were to fill them waited their turn in firm reliance upon the captain’s impartiality and prudence.

They got into the boats or waited on board, for they considered his orders were dictated by better judgment.  Each man and woman firmly believed in the superior officer.  Discipline was maintained.

Obedience to God’s commandments also proves genuine faith and trust in the Lord.  There is no trust where there is no obedience. 

Some say they trust Christ but do what they like.  The faith which saves and is genuine is a faith that obeys.

“The acid test and proof of faith is obedience.” — Author Unknown

Standing on the Inside
Walter Knight

 A mother repeatedly told her little boy to sit down.  The boy continued to stand, disobeying his mother. 

Finally, the mother went to him and plopped him down in a chair.  Fuming, the boy said, “I may be sitting on the outside, but I am standing on the inside!” 

How displeasing to God is our only outward obedience to His commandments, when inside we are very rebellious to Him.

“Obeying God may not be the easiest way, but it is the wisest.”
— Author Unknown

 Obey God
Author Unknown

Implicit obedience is our first duty to God and one for which nothing else will compensate. 

If a child at school is told to solve a math problem and copies an answer instead, the effort of cheating will not increase his mathematical ability.  Likewise, we should obey God and do what he requires of us.  Shortcuts cheat us from doing or learning what we should.  God’s way is always the best.

A guide through an unknown country must be followed without question, or his followers will be lost.  A captain commanding the direction of a vessel up a river must be obeyed by the pilot, or the ship will run aground.  A soldier in battle must fight when and where he is ordered.  When the conflict is over, he may see how following his commander’s orders got their side a victory.  The farmer must also obey God’s natural laws of the seasons to have a bountiful harvest. 

We must all obey God’s spiritual laws to reap happiness here and hereafter.

“Following God’s directions are the only way to get safely Home.”

A Child’s Song
Author Unknown

A child’s Sunday school song teaches an important truth:

Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.
Doing exactly what the Lord commands, doing it happily.
Action is the key — do it immediately, joy you will receive.
Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.
O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E

Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.
We want to live pure; we want to live clean.
We want to do our best.
Sweetly submitting to authority, leaving to God the rest.
Walking in the light, keep our attitudes right,
On the narrow way.
For if you believe the Word you receive, You always will obey!

The BIBLE VIEW #962 — Jesus

In This Issue:
Out of the Scary Dark
Don’t Just Display the Sword; Take It and Use It!
What Christ Is to the World
Christ’s Last Will and Testament
Seeking Jesus 
Jesus, the Protector
Jesus Sees Our Sins
The Verdict

Volume: 962      June 17, 2024
Theme: Jesus

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Out of the Scary Dark
Author Unknown

While crossing a glacier, an Alpine traveler and his guide were forced into a crevasse where no human power could rescue them. At last, a small river was found that pierced the mountain of ice, which they followed into a dark, cold, and ever-narrowing passage.  It finally ended in the roaring gulf of a larger sub-glacial river. To plunge into its gloom and whirl seemed to be a leap into the jaws of death, but there was no other alternative.

The guide made the plunge, crying, “Follow me.” They were tossed about the icy waters and deafened by its roar, but they were swept out into Chaumont’s summer air and green vale in a few moments.

Jesus has passed through the sullen stream of death. Because of what He did for us, we need fear no evil but shall find ourselves safely conducted to the summer-land beyond.

“Turn your face toward the Son, and the shadows will all fall behind you.”



Don’t Just Display the Sword; Take It Out and Use It!
C. H. Spurgeon

When a man gets a sword, you cannot be sure how he will use it.  If a gentleman has purchased a very expensive sword with a golden hilt and an elaborate scabbard, he may hang it on his wall and exhibit it to his friends. Occasionally, he may draw it from the sheath and say, “Feel how keen the edge is!”

The precious blood of Jesus is not meant for us merely to admire and exhibit. We must not be content to talk about, extol, and do nothing with it.  We are to use it in the great crusade against unholiness and unrighteousness. The precious blood is to be used for overcoming our obstacles and holy warfare. We dishonor it if we do not use it to that end.

What Christ Is to the World
Author Unknown

  1. The world’s Creator: John 1:1-3.
  2. The world’s Example: Mat. 16:24.
  3. The world’s Teacher: Mat. 7:28-29.
  4. The world’s Master: John 13:13.
  5. The world’s Saviour: Luke 19:10.
  6. The world’s Lord: Rom. 10:12.
  7. The world’s King: Rev. 11:15.
  8. The world’s Light: John 8:12.
  9. The world’s Life: John 14:6.
  10. The world’s Love: John 3:16.

Leonardo da Vinci took a friend to examine his masterpiece, “The Last Supper.” The friend remarked, “The most striking thing in the picture is the cup!”

The artist quickly took his brush and wiped out the cup as he said, “Nothing in my painting shall attract more attention than the Master!”

Christ’s Last Will and Testament
Author Unknown

  1. He left His purse to Judas;
  2. His body to Joseph of Arimathea;
  3. His mother to John;
  4. His clothes to the soldiers;
  5. His peace to His disciples;
  6. His supper to His followers;
  7. Himself as an example and as a servant;
  8. His Gospel to the world;
  9. His presence is always with God’s children.



Seeking Jesus
Mossell

I sought Thee when my heart was low,
I found Thee, and my hopes revived,
And all the world from me shall know
What comfort I from Thee derived;
All that I needed, all and more,
Thy presence did to me restore.

I laid my burden at Thy feet,
My head upon Thy tender breast,
Thy name of Love I did repeat,
And Thou didst understand the rest;
All that I needed, all and more,
Thy presence did to me restore.

I wept the sorrow of my heart,
And Thou mine eyes didst gently dry;
I sighed through fear that we must part,
But Thou didst whisper, “Ever nigh!”
It was enough, I asked no more,
Thy voice did all my life restore.

And now that life to Thee I’ll give,
With calmer trust and brighter joy;
In Thee, and for Thee, I will live,
To do Thy will my sole employ;
Thus, most secure to part no more
With that sweet joy Thou didst restore.

“Jesus used a borrowed tomb because He did not need it for long!”


Jesus, the Protector
John Bate

I doubt not many of the Israelites, when they found that Moses or Aaron were the means of staying the plague among them, rushed to hide themselves under Moses’ or Aaron’s protective care.  They rushed to God.

You that know Jesus to be such an effectual Intercessor with God, should you not run to save yourselves from the punishment of sin by throwing yourselves beneath His gracious mercy and protection?

Jesus Sees Our Sins
Caird

Jesus sees sin not only in our outward acts but in the hidden source of evil, the hearts of man.  No soft veil can disguise sin from Jesus’ penetrating eye.  He has no illusions from our words as He is the Incarnate Truth and knows our hypocrisy and vice.  Wherever we think we have hidden our sin, Jesus still sees it.  Our sin was to Him as if a mask were torn off, and a skeleton face was revealed in all its hideousness. Knowing and seeing all He has, Jesus still suffered for all sinners. Oh, what wondrous love He has for the sinner!

The Verdict
Edited from an article by C. H. Spurgeon

I have seen a famous painting entitled “Waiting for the Verdict.”  Such interest is displayed on every face in the courtroom! What fear and trembling are upon the prisoner’s countenance, in the face of his wife and the friends around him. What anxiety is seen!

If the jury and judge had given a favorable verdict, the picture would have been painted much differently.  What joy would have been seen around the courtroom if the prisoner was acquitted.

It is impossible to bring a verdict of “Not Guilty” for you and me. We are undoubtedly guilty of sin and deserve the worst punishment handed down from the most honorable, righteous Judge. Because of the substitution of Jesus’ death for our sins and God’s divine grace, the Judge will give those who are saved the verdict, “There is now no condemnation.”  What joy will be in the countenance of all that hear that from the declaration from God.

“It is a terrible mistake to understand Jesus as having been crucified by some especially bad people in the first century.  Jesus was crucified by the highest reach of human religiosity, morality, and political justice.”
 — Albert T. Mollegen

The BIBLE VIEW #961 — Getting Far from God

In This Issue:
Who Is Your Leader?
Degrees of Backsliding
Hymn Writer Loses Joy of Salvation
Don’t Go Back

Volume: 961     June 10, 2024
Theme: Getting Far from God

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Who Is Your Leader?
Bill Brinkworth

Much of the opposition early Christians faced was from “religious” but unrighteous people.  However, in Acts the early church started facing conflict from those who opposed biblical teachings of any kind. 

One such enemy was Barjesus.  The name meant “son of Jesus” or “son of Joshua”.  However, he used the name Elymas, which meant “wizard”.  Being that this sorcerer was a Jew (vs. 6), Barjesus probably had some biblical training in his past.  If he did, he knew that sorcery was sinful (I Sam. 15:23, II Chron. 33:6), yet the man pursued that wickedness even though he knew God hated it.  To make matters worse, this male witch tried diligently to keep someone from being saved (Acts 13:6-7). 

Many have been exposed to what God says is right or wrong.  They have learned His ways from good preaching, Christian education, Bible reading, or a godly upbringing.  Yet, somewhere in their lives, they ignored everything they heard and lived the way they wanted.  They chose to live contrary to God’s commandments, as did Barjesus.

I have repeatedly asked myself, “How can these people, who have learned God’s way, live the way they are living now?”  In this account, the sorcerer was not a child of God, as he was called “… thou child of the devil, thou enemy of righteousness…” (Acts 13:10).  For some that live ungodly lives, that may be the explanation, they were not saved to begin with.

For others, they may be saved, but sin has a powerful hold on them.  Sin’s control can completely change how a person thinks and behaves.  Romans Chapter 1 describes people like this.  The people described in that chapter “knew God” (Romans 1:21), but they “… became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”  The rest of the chapter details a sad list of sins they had gotten involved with.

Why do people act ungodly?  Some live a lifestyle contrary to God’s commandments because they may not know His commands or even consider obeying anything other than their desires.  For others who should know better, it may be because they have purposely ignored what they have learned and lived their way.  Rebellion of this type is usually rooted in a controlling sin.  

For whatever reason, one’s lifestyle usually revolves around one’s decisions.  The decision God desires for each of us should be similar to the choice Joshua made, “… as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” Joshua 24:15.  Whom have you chosen to obey?

“You cannot run away from a weakness.  You must fight it out or perish, and if that be so, why not now, and where you stand.” — Robert Louis Stevenson

Degrees of Backsliding
Dr. Haven

A Christian never falls suddenly from advanced Christian life to barrenness or open sin.  The stages in the descent are slow and often almost imperceptible. 

Little negligences of duty bring darkness to the soul and eat out its spiritual joy.  Little temptations betray it to the power of the enemy.  By gradual departures from God and little indulgences in sin, one at length falls into total backsliding and apostasy. 

The following may serve as an admonitory list of the steps taken in the downward path:

  • Neglect of secret prayer: Job 15:4.
  • Disregard for the Bible: Jeremiah 6:19, Hosea 4:6.
  • Worldly-mindedness: II Timothy 4:10.
  • A quarrelsome spirit: Isaiah 29:20-21, I Cor. 3:3.
  • Dwelling on the faults of others: Mat.  7:3-5.
  • Readiness to take offense: Prov. 14:17-19.
  • A murmuring spirit: I Cor. 10:10.
  • A critical hearing of the Word: I Cor. 3:1-4.
  • Covetousness: Luke 12:15, Col. 3:5.
  • Light thoughts of sin: Matt.  22:5.
  • Indulgence in secret sin: Num.  32:23, Eccl. 12:14.
  • Falling into outward sin: Hosea 4:16-17, Eph.  5:3-8.
  • Persecuting the righteous:  Acts 7:52-53.

“Better shun the bait than struggle in the snare.”  — John Dryden

Hymn Writer Loses Joy of Salvation
H. Bosch

Robert Robinson, author of the hymn “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” lost the happy communion with the Saviour he had once enjoyed, and in his declining years, he wandered into the byways of sin.  As a result, he became deeply troubled in his spirit.  Hoping to relieve his mind, he decided to travel.

In the course of his journeys, he became acquainted with a young woman on spiritual matters, and so she asked him what he thought of a hymn she had just been reading.  To his astonishment, he found it to be none other than his composition.  He tried to evade her questions, but she pressed him for a response.

Suddenly, he began to weep.   With tears streaming down his cheeks, he said, “I am the man who wrote that hymn many years ago.  I’d give anything to experience again the joy I knew then.” 

Although greatly surprised, she reassured him that the “streams of mercy” mentioned in his song still flowed.  Mr. Robinson was deeply touched.  Turning his “wandering heart” to the Lord, he was restored to full fellowship.

Come, Thou Fount
Hymn writer — Robert Robinson

(1) Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.  Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above; Praise the mount — I’m fixed upon it — Mount of Thy redeeming love.

(3) O to grace how great a debtor, Daily I’m constrained to be!  Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee: Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love; Here’s my heart, O take and seal it; Seal it for Thy courts above.

“Temptation provokes me to look upward to God.” — John Bunyan



Don’t Go Back!
Bill Brinkworth

For a Christian, there is no way out of a backslidden condition without first working to reconstruct what is broken in one’s life.  After the sin is stopped and avoided, and all attempts are made to do what one used to do, the battle is not over.  Certain steps must be taken so one does not go back to the condition in which one previously found oneself.

We can learn some preventative measures for not returning to a backslidden condition by following what Nehemiah had his people do after they rebuilt the city (Jerusalem) from the condition it used to be in.  Those measures included:

  • He returned proper worship.  His situation was different than ours is today, as during his time, the Jews were still under the law.  The leader ensured all who served in the temple were qualified by their lineage to be in the priesthood.  Nehemiah made sure the right spiritual leaders were in service.

To return from a backslidden condition, one must ensure worship is in a good, Bible-following church.  So many get far from God, and when they want to return or get closer to Him, they pick the same worship (or lack thereof) that may have helped them get in a far-from-God position in the first place. 

  • One has to make changes.  Nehemiah’s charges to the people had them stop their sin and get back to obedience to God.
  • One of Nehemiah’s most important steps to protect his people from returning to where they spiritually were was to include Scripture in their lives.  Today, reading the Word of God is one of the most important measures to prevent spiritual decline.  How can one know the will of God if one does not read and obey His Word?
  • Most importantly, after the Israelites had read the Word of God, they obeyed it.  There is no way to return to God today unless one obeys, by faith, what God speaks to one’s heart about and shows them in His Word. 
  • Nehemiah also rehearsed some of the spiritual errors Israel had made in the past.  He made it clear what they had done to get in the condition they found themselves in so they would not do the same things in the future.

Anyone can drift away from where they should be.  Some find themselves where they never wanted to be when they were close to God.  They recognized the errors of their ways. 

When errors are seen, and conviction causes one to reminisce about their past “better” spiritual condition, that is the time to make changes so one cannot go spiritually backwards.  There may not be another chance!

“If thou wouldst conquer thy weakness, thou must not gratify it.”  
— William Penn

The BIBLE VIEW #960 — Working for the Lord

In This Issue:
Working with the Boss   A Better Work
You Did a Great Work for the Lord
Where Is God?    Keep On Keeping On
The Deer Hunter    The Faithful Teacher

Volume: 960     June 3, 2024
Theme: Working for the Lord

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Working with the Boss
Bill Brinkworth

During Pastor Renshaw’s preaching, my heart was stirred by the preacher’s charge, “What do you want from Jesus?”  Some would quickly request that their marriage be fixed, that they get a better job, that they get the right mate, and countless other desires. 

The more spiritual would choose to be closer to God, as they realize that having a closer relationship with God would provide both spiritual and physical needs.  I thought about the preacher’s question, applied it to myself, and believed God gave me my answer to the preacher’s question in my life. 

I love working in a ministry.  One of the reasons I like to do things around the church and in the ministry is because I get to work alongside good Christians and fellowship with them.  Most of the time, we have too many things to do to afford time to have one-to-one fellowship, but working in a ministry allows us to have fellowship together and do something for the Lord at the same time.  Sometimes, as an added bonus when working in a ministry, I even have more fellowship with the preacher.  I get to work more directly with the “boss,” who is usually way too busy to be able to spend time with all the church members.

My thoughts about what I want from Jesus continued.  While I am most comfortable being around God’s people and enjoy working with them, the real reason for my enjoyment is that I get to see God working more closely while active in a ministry.  While at “work” in a ministry, I get to have a closer relationship with the Lord, see how He is currently working in lives, how He answers people’s prayers and needs, and how He does the “impossible.”  God’s workings are probably more real to me than one who only comes to church on Sunday because I see Him work more often.

Yes, I could be fishing on Saturday instead of inviting children to come to church on Sunday, but then I would miss being at their home at the right time to talk with a person who was waiting for someone to stop by so they could find out more about being saved.  I could have watched a Saturday TV movie rather than study for my Sunday school lesson for several hours, but then I would have missed how the “worst” child in class got saved and was transformed to be the most interested and changed Bible student in the whole class.  It would have been more relaxing and less stressful if I had not gone out visiting folks on Thursday night, but then I would have missed the hundreds that have gotten saved and gotten things right with God over all those years.

The greatest experience I have ever had in my life has been to do something for the Lord.  I know I am not the smartest, best worker, or best teacher, but I get to work with the “Boss.”  There are tremendous advantages and blessings when you work closely with God.

Imagine that the God who created the universe, put the stars in place, and breathed life into every person on Earth would let me work with Him.  What an honor; what a privilege to see all the mighty things I have seen God perform while working alongside Him.  There is nothing more exciting and fulfilling.

Saved person, is your life without a purpose and excitement?  Do you have the deep down feeling that your life is missing something and that there is emptiness in your life?  If so, I encourage you to work for the “Boss.”  

You are robbing yourself of an exciting life when you only live for yourself and do not do anything for Him.  When you serve God, you will see, hear, and experience wonderful things you would otherwise miss.  There is no greater joy than to have a close working relationship with the Father!  Get involved in a ministry for the Lord today. 

Pray about what Godwould have you do, and even shock your pastor by asking him how you can get involved in a ministry today!

“When God needs something done near where you live, are you the first servant He thinks of using?” — Brinkworth
 


A Better Work
D. L. Moody

One day, I saw a steel engraving that I liked very much.  I thought it was the finest thing I had ever seen at the time, and I bought it.  It was a picture of a woman coming out of the water and clinging with both arms to the cross.  She came out of the drowning waves with both arms around the cross perfectly safe.

Later, I saw another picture that was far more meaningful.  It was a picture of a person coming out of dark waters, with one arm clinging to the cross and with the other, she was lifting someone else out of the waves.  That is what I like.  Keep a firm hold upon the Cross, but always try to rescue another from an eternal “drowning.”

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” — Holmer  

You Did a Great Work for the Lord
Author Unknown

One time, Ian MacLaren went to a house and saw an old Scotch woman standing in her kitchen, weeping.  She wiped her eyes with the corner of her apron.  When the pastor asked her what was the matter, she confessed, “I have done so little.”  She continued, “I am so miserable and unhappy.”

“Why?”

“Because I have done so little for Jesus.  When I was just a wee girl, the Lord spoke to my heart, and I wanted to live for Him.”

“Well, haven’t you?” asked the minister.

“Yes, I have lived for Him, but I have done so little.  I want to be of some use in His  service.”

”What have you done?”

“I will tell you.  I have washed dishes, cooked three meals daily, cared for the children, mopped the floor, and mended the clothes.  That is all I have done all my life, and I wanted to do something for Jesus,”

Sitting back in the armchair, the preacher looked at her and smiled.  “Where are you boys?” he inquired.

She had four sons and had named them after Bible characters.  “Oh, my boys?  You know where Mark is.  You ordained him yourself before he went to China.  Why are you asking?  He is preaching for the Lord.”

“Where is Luke?” questioned the minister.

“Luke?  He went out from your church.  Didn’t you send him out?  I had a letter from him the other day.”  She continued, “A revival has broken out on the mission station, and he said they were having a wonderful time in the service of the Lord!”

“Where is Matthew?”

“He is with his brother in China.  And isn’t it fine that the two boys can be working together?  I am so happy about that.  John came to me the other night; he is my baby, only nineteen, but he is a great boy.  He said, ‘Mother, I have been praying, and tonight in my room, the Lord spoke to my heart, and what do you suppose He told me?  I have to go to my brother in Africa!  But don’t you cry, Mother.  The Lord told me I was to stay here and look after you until you go Home to Glory.’”

The pastor looked at her, “And you say your life has been wasted in mopping floors, darning socks, washing dishes, and doing trivial tasks.  I’d like to have your mansion in Glory when we are called Home!  It will be near the throne because of your great workings for the Master!”

“It is high time that the ideal of service should replace the ideal of success.” 
— Einstein

 Where Is God?
Author Unknown

“Our daily duties and trials”, someone said, “are the veils under which God hides Himself” as He draws near to us.  The secret of satisfaction then, as well as the pledge of success, is doing whatever we do to the honor of God.  In every humble or distasteful employment, see Him work.  In every burden borne for another’s good, remember God’s Word, “… Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Mat. 25:40)

 Keep On Keeping On
Author Unknown

A terrific storm occurred in 1666, at a time when the end of the world was expected.  Sir Matthew Hale sat on the law bench at the time.  The lightning dazzled the eye, and thunders crashed with appalling power.  The assembly was panic-stricken and cried out that the Day of Judgment had begun.  Some men betook themselves to prayers, and all were filled with horror.

The judge was quiet and unmoved.  He calmly ordered the court business to proceed as usual.  Even if the end of all things were at hand, of which there was no evidence, he wished to be found diligently attending his daily business.

If the thunders and lightings of trial and testing loudly proclaim havoc around you, keep doing what the Master requires of you!

 The Deer Hunter
Spurgeon

The deer hunter gets out of bed long before the sun is up and climbs the mountains.  He watches from the first gray light for the creature, which is the object of his pursuit.  Ask him how it is when he returns late in the evening that he has had nothing to eat all day.  He will answer, “I never thought of it.  I saw a chamois on a distant crag and hastened after it.  I leaped the ravines.  I climbed the steep faces of the rocks.  I was almost on my prey, but it was gone.  

“I crept up to another range again, holding my breath lest the scent of me should alarm the watchful buck.  I thought of nothing but my sport, and I never thought of hunger until my bullet found its mark in the heart of my prey, and I drew out my hunting knife.  It was not until I began to lift the game to my shoulder that I remembered that I had neither eaten nor drunk that day.”

If only there were more workers for the Lord with less thought for themselves and more thought on the prey for the glory of God!

The Faithful Teacher
D. L. Moody

A 75-year-old woman had a Sunday school class two miles away in the mountains.  One Sunday, there was a terrible rainstorm, and she considered not going that day, but she thought, “What if someone should go and not find me there?”  She then put on her waterproof coat, umbrella, overshoes and went to her ministry.

She found only one young man when she got there and taught him the best she knew how.  She never saw him again but perhaps thought her class had been a failure that day.

That week, the young man enlisted in the Army.  A year or two later, the teacher got a letter from the soldier thanking her for going through the storm that Sunday.  The young man thought that stormy day he would go and see if the teacher was in earnest, and if she cared enough about souls to go through the rain.  

He found she came and taught him as carefully as if teaching a large class and won the young man to Christ.  When he lay dying in a field hospital, he sent the message to the teacher that he would meet her in Heaven.  

Was it not a glorious thing that she did not get discouraged because she had but one Sunday school student?  Be willing to work with one.  You will never know this side of eternity what God will do with your efforts.

“When generous acts bloom from unselfish thought, the Lord may be with us though we know it not.” — Larcom

The BIBLE VIEW #959 — Conviction

In This Issue:
Obstacles God Puts Forth
Out of the Cave
Troubled Thoughts

Volume: 959     May 27, 2024
Theme: Conviction

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Obstacles God Puts Forth
Bill Brinkworth

Many natural things are prickly. The thorns are the natural defense for many roses, orange trees, and weeds. Grabbing hold of a prickly stem results in one letting it go and coming up with another plan. The “pricks” are the plant’s protection.

God uses the “pricks” of uncomfortable circumstances to change our direction. He did this in Paul’s early life, as the unsaved but religious man traveled on the Damascus road.

“And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”  Acts 9:5

Paul had spent much of his life trying to serve God his way. Unfortunately, he did not detect nor heed the “pricks” God sent in His life to turn him in the right direction that God desired.

“Pricks” that Saul ignored:
“Pricked” ears – When Paul heard the preachers of the Gospel, he did all he could to stifle their preaching. Instead of pricking his conscience so he could change his wrong path, it angered him and encouraged him to do more to silence Christians.

He even held the coats of those who stoned the deacon, Stephen. While standing there, he probably heard the Word of God, as he did when he was around Christians. Still, he held to his religion, even when the people of God preached and warned against his false beliefs.

“Pricked eyes” – Undoubtedly, he saw Christianity in action. He saw families split, people die, and heartaches inflicted. Yet, the Christians would not waiver in their obedience to God’s commandments. In all the trouble he instigated against Christians, he saw that they had a peace that he surely did not understand. He was like King Saul, who persecuted righteous David.

“Pricks” that others ignore:
Pricked by circumstances: Hard times, sickness, failures, tests, aggravating situations, disasters, etc., are often meant to draw us closer to God and to cause us to trust him more. Instead, folks many times grow farther from the source of strength they need during those hard times. They do not examine themselves and what they are doing in God’s eyes nor get the message that God is trying to send them through their trials.

Pricked ears: Perhaps God sent a godly parent, grandmother, neighbor, friend, or Sunday school teacher to us or let us hear a preacher on TV, but still, His invitation was ignored. People often do not “hear” what God is trying to tell them.

Pricked eyes: Many have seen bits of the Word of God in tracts and good Christian testimonies, yet His words and the godly examples allowed to cross our path are ignored. Too often, we do not heed God’s “pricks” to our hearts.

When examining your life, do you see any obstacles God may have put in the way to change your direction?  Is it possible you are fighting or ignoring the barriers God has allowed to be placed in your life to get you to turn in the direction He desires?

Are the “pricks” allowed in your life not changing your direction to where God wants you? If so, what will you do next?

“’Conscience’ is a faults alarm!” — Author Unknown

Out of the Cave
Spencer

Suppose a traveler, on a stormy night, should take up his lodging in a cave with serpents and venomous creatures.  Because he sleeps, he sees them not.  He sleeps as soundly as if at home in his bed. 

When the morning comes, he sees what companions are about him.  He uses all means possible and haste to escape that cave.

In the same way is every sinner.  Beset with many “serpents” of his sins, he cannot see them and therefore fears them not.  He goes through life without their bothering his conscience or lifestyle.  He is “asleep” as soundly as if in Solomon’s bed.  (He certainly is not ‘woke” as many factiously claim to be today).

However, when he is “awakened” to see the sins that beset his life and see them as God sees them, he sees the dangers around him that his sins have exposed him to. Hopefully, after God opens his eyes, he will run away from his old, sinful life as fast as possible.

“Be quiet enough to hear God’s whispers.”



Troubled Thoughts
Dr. Robert G. Lee

One morning, when I was a boy, a preacher preached a sermon I believe must have been on “The Gates of Heaven.”  In the sermon, he asked, “If the gates of Heaven were opened, would you enter in?”

The question startled me.  I knew that if the gates of Heaven were opened that day, I could not enter because I could not claim to be a Christian.

That night, the preacher’s text was, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called the Christ?”  He said very simply that to accept Christ as Saviour meant Heaven and that to reject Him as Saviour meant Hell.

I went home that night with the most wretched feeling.  I could not sleep.   I got up in the night, slipped out of the window that opened on the back porch, and went down to the moonlit watermelon patch.  It was a beautiful, clear night, and I thought of Heaven beyond the stars and Hell somewhere in some vast region below.

At the next morning’s breakfast table, my mother said, “Son, you look like you didn’t sleep much last night.”

“No, ma’am,” I said, “I didn’t.”

“What was the matter?”

“I feel awfully sinful,” I admitted.

I had to plow that day.  My misery grew until I finally drove out to the end of a long row and dropped the plow by the side of my old white mule.  I got down in the fence corner and told God how bad and sinful I felt, and I wanted to be saved.

“If one must accept Jesus to be saved,” I prayed, “then I accept Him.” There, in a fence corner, the Lord saved me.

I do not remember the text of the preacher’s sermon that night.  I walked down the church aisle and let it be known that the Lord had saved me.  I do remember the hymn they sang.
“Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night;
Jesus, I come!  Jesus, I come!
Into thy freedom, gladness, and light;
Jesus, I come to Thee.”

The peace that came to me in the fence corner is in my heart to this day.

“Failing morally is bad.  Failing to repent is worse.”