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The BIBLE VIEW #909 — Salvation

In This Issue:
Paid in Full
How Does the Bible Tell One to Be Saved?
Salvation
How Can One Know He Is Saved?

Volume: 909 May 29, 2023
Theme: Salvation

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Paid in Full
Bill Brinkworth

An unusual gesture happened recently at the check-out line at Good Value Grocery.

A slightly frustrated line formed behind a mother as she took item after item out of her cart and hurriedly placed them on the register’s conveyor belt. The items were necessary. None were frivolous or costly. Hotdogs were rung up instead of steaks. The clerk shoved dry beans, rice, and other staples instead of more expensive processed food. It was apparent that this woman was carefully watching her expenditures and was careful to buy what was needed for her two patiently waiting children and others in her family.

As the items were rung up and bagged, the young mother opened her pocketbook and began searching for her purse or checkbook. Her movements became frantic as she could not find what she had sought. Again, she searched even the small compartments, but nothing was found. One futile attempt was made to check her pockets; still nothing!

A frantic and embarrassed countenance was on her face as she meekly admitted to the clerk,” I am so sorry. I must have left my checkbook at home. I have nothing to pay for the food.”

The message reached those behind her, and their body language and groans made it clear they were unhappy. A confused, aggravated look appeared on the face of the cashier as she said, “That happens, but I will have to get someone to put these things back on the shelf. Next time, be sure you can pay for something before you get in line.”

As the cashier grabbed the phone to summon help in ridding the unpaid products, all but one of those waiting in line moaned. The middle-aged woman let out a soft “Oh, my,” instead. She quickly grabbed her purse, went to the embarrassed woman, and spoke softly to the clerk.

“How much is her bill, Maam?”

Startled, the clerk checked the register’s tape and said, “One hundred eighty-four dollars and 12 cents.”

“Put it on my credit card,” as the concerned bystander paid for the shocked mother’s bill.

A sigh of relief escaped the mouth of the debtee, and surprised words of gratitude thanked the generous giver.

The compassionate giver was not bound to pay the other’s bill. Still, she gave out of compassion and concern for the other woman and her family.

The debt-payer’s action was not unlike what Jesus did for all that will accept His payment for their sins. Jesus did not have to pay our sin bill. The humble son of God offered Himself to be the payment for all who trusted and called upon His name to be saved from eternal punishment.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

He could have avoided embarrassment and pain, but Jesus saw the need and did not want any to perish in eternal torment. The brutal punishment He received, and death on a cruel cross were for no sin He committed. He was sinless. It was for mine and your iniquities!

Unlike the fictitious indebtedness in the above account, our sin debt is not for one deed only. Our debt is for a lifetime of disobedience, ignorance of God’s will, purposeful ignoring of what the Bible commands us not to do, and countless transgressions against a Holy God.

Yet, out of unimaginable love for the creatures He created, God wants none to perish in a horrible punishment created for Satan and those that followed him. He is willing, however, to pay your massive sin debt by allowing the shed blood of His only son to be payment for your tremendous bill of transgressions.
“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” Matthew 25:41

If you accept God’s offer, all committed iniquities will be forgiven, forgotten, and under the saving blood of God’s Son, Jesus. Will you humble yourself and accept the Saviour’s payment for ALL your sins?
“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 3:6

How Does the Bible Tell One to Be Saved?

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

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

BUT, there is good news! Jesus’ death on the cross is the payment for the sins of all that call upon Him for salvation!
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

“What did you have to give up to be a Christian? Hell!”

Salvation
Sunday Circle

A group of friends visited an old church, which was of great historical interest to them. They asked for admission, and the sexton gave them the key after saying, “You can unlock the door and go in, and I will come to you directly.”

They went to the door, put the key in the lock, and tried to open it, but they could not turn the key. They turned and twisted it but to no effect. They had just given up in despair when the sexton arrived. “We cannot make this lock open,” said one of the party.

“I beg your pardon,” said the sexton, “I forgot to tell you that the door is not locked. All you need to do is to lift the latch and walk in.”

A great many are like them. They try by their efforts to unlock the door of salvation, but all their efforts (Ephesians 2:9) are a waste of time. Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, long ago unlocked the door, and all we need to do is lift the latch, and by faith, walk in.

“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

How Can One Know He Is Saved?
Bill Brinkworth

A person can know if he is saved. If he has trusted Christ’s death as payment for his sins as the only way to Heaven, he will see himself changed. He will see new things happen in his life.

Here are some of those new changes:
A NEW belief. A saved person believes differently than he believed before.
“He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself:… These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God;that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” I John 5:10-13

A NEW interest in God’s people.
“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” I John 3:14-16 The “brethren” are other saved people.

A NEW Master. A saved person is attentive and interested in obeying a new Master — God!“Jesus answered them, … But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:25-29

A NEW Life. A saved person gets a second chance at life. He gets to start over, this time with God’s guidance and help.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Cor. 5:17
The new life may include things one would never have suspected he would do, such as: reading the Bible, desiring a ministry, being faithful to church attendance, etc. He will also find he no longer wants to do many of the wrong things he used to do and even has a conviction against doing them.

A NEW Trust. A saved person has a God that he can trust and rely on.
“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” II Tim 1:12

A NEW fruit — NEW interests
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts ….” Galatians 5:22-25
When the Spirit of God indwells a believer, there are some things He wants to be done in our lives and around us. These changes that we allow Him to do in us are proofs of our salvation.

The BIBLE VIEW #908 —Prayer

In This Issue:
Answered Prayer
A Sincere Prayer
In Jesus’ Name
Revival through Prayer
When Should You Pray?

Volume: 908 May 22, 2023
Theme: Prayer

Are you a Sunday school teacher or pastor? There are over 400 FREE lessons and sermon ideas at:
http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/lessons.html. There are also puzzles there to be used as classroom activities. Why buy Sunday school material when it is free at www.OpenThouMineEyes.com

Answered Prayers
Dr. J. Campbell, 1871

Abraham’s servant prayed; Rebekah appeared.
Moses cried to God; the sea divided.
Moses prayed; Amalek was discomfited.
Joshua prayed; Achan was discovered.
Hannah prayed; Samuel was born.
David prayed; Ahithophel hung himself.
Asa prayed; a victory was gained.
Jehoshaphat cried to God; God turned away his enemies.
Isaiah and Hezekiah prayed; 185,000 Assyrians were dead within 12 hours.
Daniel prayed; the meaning of a dream was revealed to him.
Daniel prayed; the lions did not harm him.
Ezra prayed; God answered (Ezra 8:21-23).
Nehemiah darted a quick prayer; the king’s heart softened in a minute.
Elijah prayed; rain descended.
Elisha prayed; the Jordan River was divided.
Elisha prayed; a child came back to life.
The Apostles prayed; the Holy Ghost came down.
A church prayed for Peter’s release from prison; Peter soon knocked at their door.
You prayed and ____________________________.

A Sincere Prayer
Bill Brinkworth

“To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.” Psalm 61:1

David revealed an important ingredient that should be in more prayers — a cry. A “cry” is a desperate utterance, often accompanied by heartfelt tears.

Unfortunately, prayers are not the sincere pleas in times of distress they should be. For many, their prayers are more like a list a child hopes Santa Claus will fulfill. Their “prayer” usually goes something like: “Gimmee this and gimme that. Oh, yea. Bless Mommy, Daddy, Uncle Frank, and keep the bullies away. Oh Lord, could you give me an ‘A’ in Arithmetic.”

Sadly, “lists” are the most popular form of talking to God. Occasionally, one will open a prayer book and recite what someone else has written and labeled to be prayed in the situation one finds oneself.

Prayer to a Christian is communicating with a Holy God. He owes us nothing, but we are indebted to Him for everything. It is an honor and privilege that we are even permitted to speak to our Creator.

We should not dishonor him with empty, thoughtless, insincere pleas. Our conversation with God can be like we have with no other person. We can tell Him everything on our hearts.

We can tell the Lord things we would dare not tell others. He is our God, and He desires conversation with His people.
“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” Mat. 6:7

The words are not as crucial as our sincerity. God is more interested in the condition of our hearts when we talk to Him. A sincere, real “cry” shows Him that we are in desperate need, and we realize He is the only solution to our situation. He sees our reliance and dependence on Him, which is what He desires.

Christian, have a real prayer time with God today! Talk to Him as if He is your best friend. He is!

“When thou prayest, rather let thy heart be without words than thy words without heart.” — Bunyan

In Jesus’ Name
Barbara Brinkworth

The table was set, the food steaming hot, and the guests seated. It was time to eat, but first, the blessing. “Dear Lord, thank you for this food, for friends and family to share it with… Please bless it to our bodies and use us to serve you today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

How often have we heard the phrase used — “in Jesus’ name”? Have we ever given much thought as to what it means? It can be used in several ways.

When we pray, we come to the Father in Jesus’ name. Why is that necessary? As fallen, sinful people, we have no right to request anything of God Almighty. Were it not for Jesus, there would be no fellowship with God. Once we are born-again (John 3:3) and have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, we also are accepted by God. He will honor our requests because of His love for Jesus and for all those who belong to Him. We ask all in Jesus’ name.

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commanded his disciples to be witnesses in His name. He would soon return to Heaven (Acts 1:8) because His work on Earth was finished.

The awesome task of evangelizing the world was left to His church. They would go in the power of the Holy Spirit, but the name they proclaimed was that of Jesus Christ. To this very day, all successful witnessing and missionary work is done in the name of Jesus.

As a believer goes through his daily tasks, he acts as an ambassador for Jesus Christ. All that is done is done in the name of Jesus. Does the Christian have a good testimony in the community? The credit goes to Jesus. Does the believer have a reputation for not paying his debts? The blame goes to Jesus. Is he living a life that others would desire to have? If so, many will inquire about his Jesus. If not, he may turn people away from the kingdom of God.

The Bible says in Philippians 2:9-11, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” We must take seriously all we do in Jesus’ name to glorify our worthy God.

Revival through Prayer
C. H. Spurgeon

All the mighty works of God have been attended with great prayer, as well as with great faith. The Great American Revival (1850s to early 1900s) had such a beginning.

An unknown and obscure man was convicted about praying that God would bless his country. After praying, he made a soul-stirring inquiry, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” A burden was soon put on his heart. He then got to work!

He rented a room and announced that there would be a prayer meeting there at such an hour of the day. At the appointed time not a single person was there. However, he began to pray and continued for half an hour alone. At the end of the half-hour, one joined him, and soon two more came in. I believe his prayer meeting closed with six concerned praying believers.

The following week came, and there were about fifty that attended. Soon the prayer meeting grew to a hundred. Others began to start other prayer meetings.

Soon there was scarcely a street in New York without a prayer meeting. Merchants found time to run in to pray. The meetings became daily ones. Some lasted for about an hour.

Petitions and requests were sent up. These were asked and offered before God, and the answers came. Many were the happy hearts that stood up and testified that the prayer offered last week had been fulfilled.

It was when all were earnest in prayer that the Spirit of God worked among the people. In a certain village, a preacher had been preaching, and hundreds were converted in a week. The matter spread throughout the Northern States. A quarter of a million people were believed to be converted in two or three months.

Oh, for earnest, sincere hearts to again change this nation through such prayer. God is able. He awaits our concern and dependence on Him. Will you faithfully pray for a revival in your country?

“When God starts changing things, He usually begins with changing us.”

When Should You Pray?

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Psalm 5:3
“O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:” Psalm 88:1
“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” Palms 55:17
“And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Romans 12:12
“Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17

The BIBLE VIEW #907 — Obedience

In This Issue:
Be Obedient While You Have the Opportunity
Is He Really Your Lord?
A Benefit and Privilege
Don’t Question Orders

Volume: 907 May 15, 2023
Theme: Obedience

Be Obedient While You Have the OpportunityBill Brinkworth

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1

Although Proverbs 27 is chock-full of life-directing wisdom, verse one should remind each one of us that our time on this Earth is not forever. Our life could change drastically or end before the sun sets today. No one knows how much time they have left. No one has the promise of tomorrow!

While we have the time, do not procrastinate. Do not put off:

Being saved. Although many put off being born again (John 3:3), they may not have tomorrow to do so. One’s opportunity to have God’s promise of an eternity with Him may soon be ended. Each time salvation is put off, one’s heart hardens and becomes more defiant to God’s calling.

One may have another day, but after having ignored the pleas of the Holy Spirit so often, the Spirit may no longer speak to one about securing their eternity (Romans 10:9) in Heaven. Each time one says “No” to the Spirit of God’s prodding and His commandments, one’s sensitivity to God’s calling is lessened.
“Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7“
And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” Acts 24:24-25
Halting the sin(s) you have been convicted of doing. When a person is saved, the Holy Spirit convicts one of sin(s) that is/are prohibiting one’s spiritual growth. Putting off iniquity one was made aware of should be dealt with immediately. What if the rapture (I Thes. 4:16-18) or death takes one home before a “convenient time” to obey the Lord occurs? It would be too late. Obey the Lord now while there still is an opportunity.
Doing what the Lord laid on your heart to do. Has the Lord urged you to rebuild a broken relationship, get involved in a ministry, read your Bible, be faithful in church, make your testimony more godly, or something else? Do it now, as again, you may not have another chance to do so.
Being the Christian, spouse, parent, or child, God would have you be. You may never have another opportunity if you put it off any longer.

Most of us have had many days. We assume we will have more time, but we may not. This may be the last reminder one may have to obey what God has laid on their heart to do. Do it now, as no one knows how much more time they have left.

Is He Really Your Lord?
Bill Brinkworth

Often in prayers or conversations, God is called “Lord.” “I love you, Lord,” “Lord, we need your intervention in helping us out of this mess,” and “Lord, I’ll do whatever you show me to do” are often uttered. If, however, the situation is followed up on and the reactions observed of the one who requested of God, it may be wondered if God is really one’s “Lord.”

The title “Lord” implies that another is one’s master and is a supreme being, an absolute authority, and one’s ruler. If it is true that “Lord” has a Saxon definition meaning “sole bread giver,” then it also implies that the user of the address “Lord” is relying on God for all their provisions and needs. When God is addressed as Lord, is He really all that title implies?

If God truly is one’s Lord, one would do what God has told them to do. God would not have to speak to our hearts multiple times about reading His Word faithfully, halting the sin He convicted us of doing, changing a practice in our life, or doing anything His Spirit whispered to our hearts about doing. Total obedience would be given to God if He indeed were our Lord. “LORD, it’s not open to discussion. You show me, and I will do it!”
“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46

If God truly is Lord of your life, He should receive your total respect and honor. One obeying the Lord should never dispute, question, or refuse to do the bidding of one’s Master.
“A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? 7 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. 8 And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 1:6-8

If God is truly your Lord, then there should be proof. You should notice how you have forsaken your will and way for His. Even those around you should see your priority in obeying God’s will!
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
“(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” Romans 2:13
“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciple.” John 15:8

Calling God Lord, does not necessarily make Him one’s Lord. If we make God our Lord, it will be shown by our obedience and respect for Him.

Is His Lordship in your life clearly exhibited in the way you live? Is God truly your LORD?

“To live for self or God is the question we all face. How one’s life turns out depends on how the question was answered!” — Author Unknown

A Benefit and Privilege
Watson, 1696

God commands nothing from us that is not beneficial.”
“That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.” Deut. 6:2
God has His reasons for telling us to do something. We should not question why.
He bids us to repent. Why? That our sins may be blotted out.
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Acts 3:19
He commands us to believe, and why? That we may be saved.
“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31
There is love in every one of God’s commandments!

“True obedience hath no lead at its heels!” — Adams, 1653

Don’t Question Orders
Spurgeon

“Sir,” said the Duke of Wellington to an officer of engineers who argued the impossibility of executing the directions he had received, “I did not ask your opinion, I gave you my orders, and I expect them to be obeyed.”

Such should be the obedience of every follower of Jesus. The Words, which He has spoken and had recorded, are our law! Our adherence to them should not be based on our judgments or fancies. We are to do our Master’s bidding and advance through flood or flame. We are to do as He tells us to do!

“Don’t pray to give God instructions. Just report for duty!”

The Bible View #906 — Separation

In This Issue:
Stay in the Henhouse
A Worldly Christian
Safe in the Ark
Get Far from Evil
The Danger of the World

Volume: 906 May 1, 2023
Theme: Separation

Are you a Sunday school teacher or pastor? There are over 400 FREE lessons and sermon ideas at:
http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/lessons.html. There are also puzzles there to be used as classroom activities. Why buy Sunday school material when it is free at www.OpenThouMineEyes.com

Stay in the Henhouse
Bill Brinkworth

I have endeavored to raise chickens to raise as much food as possible. After hearing the locals tell of coyotes and seeing evidence of a fox, coupled with the knowledge of nearby black snakes, I knew that the pen and the henhouse must resist those predators.

When building their coop, I accommodated for all those dangers in the design. Their outside run was wrapped with strong chicken wire. Even the floor was laid with the fence material in case one of the raiders tried to gain entrance by digging in. The wire was doubled stapled so no creature could gain entry by tearing off the covering. Even the roof was partly covered with wire and sheet metal to keep out airborne enemies like hawks.

The house was sheathed in strong material, with even the smallest gaps eliminated, so an egg-hungry snake could not slither in. Windows were covered with heavy screening that would keep them out and was higher than any ground predator could reach. When finished, the house was safe for all the fowl that lived within.

Afterward, the squeaking and squawking chicks were brought into their new living quarters. Their daily needs were met. They got their daily food, water, and occasional kitchen waste that they devoured. Soon, they grew and were nearing the age that they would produce eggs.

However, their behavior began to change. They no longer fear me as I come to feed, water, and clean their living quarters. At times, they were a bit hostile to me as I tried to feed them.

As I left their pen or henhouse, they kept following me to get outside their protected environment. Sometimes, as I went, they attempted to dart out to the unprotected outside. Usually, they could be herded back into their safe environment and were discouraged from escaping.

One morning, however, one hen managed to get out. Fortunately, before she got too far, I was able to catch her and put her back in the safe area I had created for her.

I realize their discontentment with their secure environment and curiosity to go “outside” was very much what too many Christians spend their lives trying to do. Instead of following God’s commandments, as preserved in the Bible, they take every opportunity to go outside God’s protection.

The rules that they ignore, disobey, and often dislike are there for their protection. A life within those guidelines will be safe and guarantee a closer walk with God. A life lived outside those guidelines will be one without God’s protection and guidance and may result in hardship, unhappiness, and even destruction.

God knows what waits “outside.” He knows all about the luring temptations, the strangling grip of sin, and the devouring Devil that can ruin any man, woman, or child once they are outside His protection.

Man may learn God’s commandments and what God warns him not to do, but he often looks “outside.” He sees most of the world doing things he knows he should not do.

Often he observes that it appears that nothing happens when the world commits sin or even gets close to it. It seems that they get away with it.

He considers that the biblical warnings are wrong or for a different time and that now they must be okay to do, as so many appear to get away with iniquity. (If man could follow those people’s lives and learn of all the details, he would find they did not get away with it after all!).

Mankind often lurches outside the protection God has provided. For a short time, doing what everyone else is doing is fun. There are no repercussions for sin or getting too close to it.

However, his life changes so slowly that he often does not see the changes that happen. His desire to please God and obey Him is usually the first thing that is eroded, along with the fear of the consequences of getting involved in sin.

Lack of concern for others also disappears. What remains is a self-centered individual bent on satisfying one’s selfish desires.

Often involvement in sin does physical damage or changes. Again, the sinner never sees the damage exposure to the “outside” has done.

No one gets away with sin. That is why God commands us not to get close to it, so it can never get a hold of a person. There is a wage to iniquity’s commission. Stay inside God’s boundaries, and you can escape the dangers that lurk “outside.”

“If we could look steadily at the world and see it as it is in the eyes of God, many of our estimates would be amazingly changed.” — Edward Gareshe

A Worldly Christian
C. H. Spurgeon

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Mat. 6:24

No man can serve God and mammon because there is not enough life in the heart to serve the two. Alas! Many people try this, and they fail both ways.

I have known a man who has tried to let some of his heart run into the world and another part he allowed to drip into the church. The effect was that he was suspected of hypocrisy when he came into the church.

“Why,” they said, “if he were truly obeying the Lord, could he have done yesterday what he did and then come and profess so much today?” Other believers look upon him suspiciously, or if he deceives them, they feel he cannot be trusted because he has not given all his heart to the Lord.

What is the effect of his conduct to the world? Why, his religion is a constraint to him there. Any mention of God or His commandments, especially any expression of guilt, makes the world uncomfortable around him, and they also do not trust him.

The world will not have him, and other Christians will not have him. He wants to go between the two, and both avoid him.

“If you can get along with the world, then you are out of step with God.”
— Dr. Harold Sightler

Safe in the Ark
D. L. Moody

When the voice came down from Heaven to Noah, “… Come thou and all thy house into the ark, for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation,” there was a minute when Noah was outside the ark and another when he was inside. By being inside, he was saved. As long as he was outside the ark, he was exposed to the wrath of God just like the rest of the people.

If he had stayed out and remained with the others, he would have been swept away, as they were. It was not his righteousness. It was not his faith or works that saved him; it was the ark.

God has provided an ark for us (His Word), and the question is, “Are you inside or outside this ark?” If you are inside, you are safe; if you are outside, you are not.

Get Far from Evil
Adam Clark

Abstain from all appearance of evil (I Thes. 5:22). Sin not and avoid even the appearance of it. Do not drive your morality so near the bounds of evil as to lead even weak persons to believe you touch, taste, or handle it. Let not the form of it appear with or among you.

Ye are called to holiness. Be ye holy, for God is holy.

“If you are saved, you are on the winning side. Why would you want to look or act like the losing side that is headed for Hell?”

The Danger of the World
J. Mason

Beware of the world. It has slain its millions!
What ruined Lot’s wife? The world.
What ruined Achan? The world.
What ruined Haman? The world.
What ruined Judas? The world.
What ruined Demas? The world.
What will ruin you? The world.
“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mat. 16:26

The BIBLE VIEW #905 — God’s Word

In This Issue:
God Kept His Word
What the New “bibles” Do

Volume: 905 April 24, 2023
Theme: God’s Word

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

God Kept His Word
Bill Brinkworth

God said He would keep His Word for and with us, and He has done so!
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isa. 40:8 According to verse seven, the grass refers to people. People will come and go, but God’s Word will always be amongst us.
“But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” I Pet. 1:25 Also: Psalms 102:12, Luke 16:17.

God preserved His Word in written form.
“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Mat. 5:18 Jot and tittle refer to the dialectical marks of the languages used. This implies that the preserved word is in written form!

Its preservation is essential to our faith. Why would God require it if He would not keep it for us?
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom. 10:17

Many places in the Scriptures were quoted accurately at a later date by prophets, leaders, rulers, and even Christ. “As it is written” is used in 49 verses, indicating that the preserved Word was trusted then.

It is inspired! “God breathed” into the originals, and He has preserved His original inspiration.
“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” Psa. 12:6-7
We have the inspired, preserved Word of God!

There have always been copies. The originals have never been gathered together in one place. There are now no originals! From the beginning, God has used and blessed copies:

Moses broke the first tablets. God made sure His people had an accurate copy of them.
King Jehoiakim (Jer. 36) did not like what Jehudi read from the Word of God and burnt them. God again gave it to Jeremiah. Then it was thrown in the river (Jer. 51:63); end of original #2, but we still have it now. It is preserved!

The Hebrews preserved the Old Testament in the Masoretic Text. The New Testament was preserved in Greek in the Textus Receptus. There have been copies from those translated texts since 150 AD.

Different men had a burden that the Word of God be written in a language the common person could read. Before their work, only certain clergy could read it. They only told the masses what they wanted them to hear, often in a language the people did not understand. The work of many preserved God’s Word in these forms from such men as Erasmus, William Tyndale, Miles Coverdale, and the six companies of 47-54 (according to different accounts) translators that translated the 1611 King James.

The King James 1611 had several changes done to it up to 1769. The KJV that we read today is the 1769 version. All the 400 changes from the 1611 to the 1769 version were spelling and grammatical changes as the written English language grew more consistent and changed. Compare those minimal changes to the thousands of alterations reportedly changed in the New King James Version in the 5^th version from the 1^st version.

KJV 1611: “For God so loued the world, the he gaue his only begotten Sonne: that whosoeuer beleeurth in him, should not perish, but haue euerlasting life.” John 3:16 Notice where we used a “v” the earlier language used a “u”. Also: “I”’s were used as “J”’s, “f”’s for “s”’s….
KJV 1769: “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

Since the beginning, Satan has gotten man to doubt and question the Word of God. If you doubt it, you will not believe it or live it. I am sure this is why Satan has done much to water down God’s Word, hide His Word, or get people confused enough not to read or believe the Bible.
Gen. 3:1 “ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”

Even the early church had to deal with Satan’s attack on the Truth. That attack continues even more so in these last crucial days!
“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” II Cor. 2:17

If the Bible is missing or has words changed, it is not the preserved Word of God that God promised to keep. All modern translations and revisions have changed words. They cannot be trusted. They are tampering with the Word of God!

The modern translations and revisions are counterfeits!

Their root is from Egypt. The Bible has a negative outlook on Egypt (Rev. 11:8.), especially Alexandria (Acts 6:9, Col. 2:8). Alexandria is where the philosophy that the Bible is fallible (Origen) grew and that it has mistakes and must be corrected. Most modern translations come from the Alexandrian manuscripts.
They remove or change words. i.e.: NIV is 90,000 words short of what is in the KJV.
They change the meaning of the verses. Bible teachings are altered many times to suit the author or organization producing the “bible” and their beliefs. Often the new perversions change verses dealing with the deity of Christ, Jesus’ virgin birth, Hell, and salvation.
The new “bibles” bring confusion. Who is the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33)? Not God! Satan is behind the perversion of God’s Word. The perversions change biblical doctrine!
They profess to make the Word of God easier to understand, but they do not! The Holy Spirit reveals the understanding of God’s Word to man, not man’s intellect. The “bible” is said to be made “easier” to understand, yet fewer than ever are reading any version!

There is a battle raging over the souls of man. The warfare can only be won with the Word of God. Many, including Satan, are working hard to dull the only spiritual weapon man has. God has made sure the Bible is still preserved in the KJV. Do you read and obey it?

“If the modern ‘bibles’ are supposed to make it easier to understand and also correct ‘mistakes,’ why did 300+ different English versions still not make it easy enough and get it right, and why are they still creating more versions? The answer is that the goal is not to make the Word of God clearer, but to make money and make it say what they want!”

What the New “bibles” Do
Bill Brinkworth

There are thousands of changes in all the different versions. Here are a few so one can get an idea as to how man has changed what God has said!

They change God’s Commandments.
King James (KJV): “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Acts 8:37
New International Version (NIV): Verse removed and footnoted
New American Standard Version (NASV): Verse removed and footnoted
New World Translation (NWT — Jehovah Witness Bible): Verse removed.
Revised Standard Version (RSV): Verse removed and footnoted
New Century Version (NCV): Verse removed and footnoted.
These re-writers wanted to do away with the biblical teaching of baptism!

They alter truths about Christ.
(KJV) “And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” Mat. 1:25
(NASV) “and kept her virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called his name Jesus.”
(RSV) “but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.”
(NIV) “But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”

Other versions remove wording that indicates Jesus was Mary’s firstborn son.
(KJV) “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.” Mat. 18:11
(NASB) This verse is footnoted and implies that it should not be there.
(NIV) Verse removed and footnoted (footnote is changed, however).
(NWT) Verse removed.
(NCV) Verse removed.
The important reason for Jesus Christ’s coming has been deleted! The way of salvation is removed!

They alter truths about judgment and Hell!
“Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9:46
(NIV) Omitted and footnoted
(NWT, NASB, NCV. RSV, Amplified) Omitted.

They do not make God’s word easier to understand, as they claim!
(KJV) “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” Eph. 5:18
New King James Version (NKJV) “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation….”
(NIV) “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”

(KJV) “Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.” Daniel 3:2
(NKJV) “And King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to gather together the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.” A difficult word was inserted, and facts were changed.
(NIV) “He then summoned the satraps, prefects ….”

They change facts:
“Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel’s table.” I Kings 18:19
(NKJV, NIV, NCV, NASB, RSV) “… and the four hundred prophets of Asherah ….”
(NWT) “… four hundred prophets of sacred pole ….”
In the Catholic Confraternity Version (1963), this verse is found in III Kings 18:19.

They not only remove and change words, but they add words.
“And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Rev. 22:19
(The Amplified Bible) “And if any one cancels or takes away from the statements of the book of this prophecy — these predictions relating to Christ’s kingdom and its speedy triumph, together with the consolations and admonitions (warnings) pertaining to them — God will cancel and take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the city of holiness (pure and hallowed) which are described and promised in this book.” — wheeww!

“Things That Are Different Are Not the Same!”
— Title of Dr. Mickey Carter’s book on the Bible version issue

The BIBLE VIEW #904 — Alcohol

In This Issue:
Should a Christian Drink Alcohol?
Effects of Drinking
A Monster

Volume: 904 April 16, 2023
Theme: Alcohol

Should a Christian Drink Alcohol?
Bill Brinkworth

Today, possibly because the Word of God is not obeyed and is considered not relevant, many Christians have no conviction about what the Bible says about many things, including the drinking of alcohol.

The Bible says much about the dangers and effects that alcohol will have on one and a Christian testimony. Indulgence in alcohol is never recommended in God’s Word. Its use is usually negatively spoken about.

Here are some reasons why a Christian should avoid alcoholic beverages:

Alcohol is dangerous. Even wine is likened to a poison that will ruin one’s life!
“Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright [fermenting]. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.” Pro. 23:31-32
Alcohol should not be drunk by a wise person.
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Prov. 20:1 Wine’s influence will make one mock, or deride, others. Strong drink will often make one loud and cause him to show his anger.
Alcohol will increase one’s problems and affect health and mental stability.
“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.” Pro. 23:29-30
Alcohol will control a person and affect one’s thinking and discernment.
“But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.” Isa. 28:7
Alcohol will affect one’s will.
“Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.” Hos. 4:11 Notice that there are two types of wine: new, unfermented wine, and alcoholic (fermented) wine.
Alcohol will affect one’s desire to do something for the Lord and the desire to be industrious.
“Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! 12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.” Isa. 5:11-12 “
Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: 21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. We are not to even be around drinking, so certainly the Saviour would not have broken this commandment.” Pro. 23:20

These verses, and many more, show we should not drink, especially if we are concerned about keeping the “temple” that God gave us clean (I Cor. 6:19) from temptations and sin. However, what confuses many, and is often used to justify drinking, is the Bible’s usage of the word “wine.” In the New Testament, that word is used to describe alcoholic and non-alcoholic wine. The Greek word “oinos” refers to fermented and unfermented “wines.” The context of the verse usually reveals which type of “wine” it refers to.

What is non-alcoholic “wine”? We call it grape juice. Sometimes the Bible refers to it as “new wine” (Mat. 9:17, Luke 5:39). Understand that in biblical days there was no refrigeration and that it was hot, which would quickly ferment the “new wine.” To keep this from happening, the new “wine” was often simmered so that the water would evaporate from the “wine.”

That process would result in a thick grape syrup that would last a long time. It also was called “wine.” Before it was drunk, water would be added to it again. An ancient shipwreck was recovered with a cargo of containers of that grape syrup, which was still preserved.

There are other reasons why a Christian should not drink, even wine. They include:

Fermented wine is a picture of sin! The yeast (“leaven”) in the grape skins turns the juice to alcohol. Yeast is a picture of sin, as it spreads and “ruins” (fermentation is a decaying and rotting process) many things it is placed in. For this reason, it should not be drunk and should NEVER be used in the Lord’s supper, as Jesus was sinless and should not be pictured as sinful by fermented grape juice.

Also, for the same reason, raised bread should not be used. A little “leaven” in grape juice or flour will raise and spread throughout the product, just as a little sin spreads and affects whatever life it touches.
“A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” Gal. 5:9
“Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” I Cor. 5:6
Many justify drinking because Jesus turned water into “wine” (John 2:9-10). It was not alcoholic wine He changed from water. If He did that, He would have been serving alcohol, which would have earned Him God’s “woe” rather than God’s approval on His life (Mat. 3:17). Jesus’ converting the water was not an example of biblical doctrine on drinking. It was a miracle to show Jesus was God in the flesh.
“Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!” Hab. 2:15 If one is not to give it to others, then he should not be drinking it himself.
Alcohol is often a gateway to other sins. One sin usually leads to others, and alcohol is no exception.
“Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.” Pro. 23:33
Some twist I Tim. 5:23 around to say that drinking wine for your health is okay. Any drunk or doctor will tell you that alcohol will tear up one’s stomach. Alcohol irritates the digestive system, including the stomach, causing it to produce too much acid. This can lead to gastritis, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding. Look at the beer belly of a beer guzzler for proof. God knows all this, so alcohol consumption cannot be what I Tim. 5:23 is referring to.
“Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.” I Tim 5:23 I read that to get the “good” chemical in wine that is supposed to help one’s health, many bottles of wine should be drunk daily. Drinking that much would qualify one as a drunkard the Bible condemns. Eating grapes or drinking unfermented grape juice is a better choice for one’s stomach health.
What is “drunk”? How many drinks does it take to be “drunk”? An excellent answer to this question is from Jim Jorgenson in Should I. He wrote, “Perhaps you would say, ‘It would take six beers to make me drunk.’ If you only drink one beer, then you are one-sixth drunk. You are one-sixth less able to serve God than before drinking.”
We are not to have the appearance of doing anything wrong. We are to have an upright testimony. Drinking would give an impression to others that we were drunkards.
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” I Thes. 5:22

Christians should be led and guided by the Spirit of God, not the spirit of drunkenness. Interestingly, the old-time drunkards knew that drinking was not of God, and the wrong spirits influenced users of it. To prove that look at a bottle of booze, which will still be identified as 50% (or another number) spirits. Drinking it leads one to follow the wrong spirit, which will not be the Spirit of God.

A Christian should be “Christ-like,” as the name implies. He should not be close to the edge of the godless world from which he was saved. A believer should be as far from temptation and sin as possible. One cannot lose his salvation, but he can lose his Christian testimony and be ensnared by many of the same pitfalls the unsaved fall into when they indulge in alcohol. All lose when they drink booze!
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” Eph. 5:18

“Alcohol is a very effective dissolving agent. It dissolves families, marriages, friendships, jobs, bank accounts, and neurons, but never problems.”

Effects of Drinking
Gleaned from Should I? by Jim Jorgensen, Page 51

Physical Effects
Controlled by alcohol: (Isa. 5:11)
Leads to sickness: (Hosea 7:5)
Causes one to stagger: (Job 12:25)
Can cause one to vomit: (Isa. 19:14)
Affects one’s eyes: (Prov. 23:29)
Leads one to be hurt: (Prov. 23:29)
Produces filthiness: (Isa. 28:8)
Provokes one to do dumb things: (Prov. 23:34)

Mental Effects
Impairs judgments: (Prov. 31:5, Isa. 28:7)
Impairs the memory: (Prov. 31:4-5)
Encourages one to lose his temper: (Prov. 20:1)

Moral & Spiritual
Leads to indifference for the work of the Lord: (Isa. 5:12)
Is allied with gambling and licentiousness: (Joel 3:3)
Is allied with indecent exposure: (Gen. 9:21, Hab. 2:15-16)

Ultimately, it can lead to:
A ruined life: (Prov. 23:32)
Poverty: (Proverbs 21:17, 23:21)
Strife: (Proverbs 23:29-30)
Woe and sorrow: (Proverbs 23:29-30)

“One never has to battle the strangling grasp of alcohol, if one never takes the first sip.”

A Monster
T. Adams, 1871

A drunkard is the annoyance of modesty, the trouble of civility, the spoil of wealth, and the destroyer of reason. He is the thief of one’s self, the beggar’s companion, and the sheriff’s trouble. The drunk is his wife’s woe, his children’s sorrow, his neighbor’s scoff, and his shame. He is a spirit of unrest, a thing below a beast, and a menacing monster.

“To a drunkard who feels unlovable, the message that God loves him comes as good news.” — Jerry Dunn

The BIBLE VIEW #903 — God’s Words

In This Issue:
One Reason for Reading the Bible
They Can’t Understand
A Form of Godliness

Volume: 903 April 10, 2023
Theme: God’s Words

One Reason for Reading the Bible
Bill Brinkworth

The compiled Word of God, the Bible, has many purposes. It tells man the mind of God, what He likes and disapproves of, how to live, how to die, how to be successful, why one fails, and many other essential life lessons.

There is another purpose for spending time in God’s preserved Word. That reason is so man can learn from examples of those in the past. A wise man should not want to repeat the errors of others. Reading and learning from others’ mistakes is one of the reasons God allows us to have His preserved Book.
“Now these things were our examples …” I Corinthians 10: 6
“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples and they are written for our admonition…” I Cor. 10:11

Although the vehicle of temptation, sin, and trials have changed appearance and may not look like they did 6,000 years ago, basically, they are the same. Mankind may no longer be tempted to have a chariot like his Roman neighbors, but today he is enticed to lust after a car just like his neighbor’s. Seldom does a man lust after watching a woman bathing on a rooftop, as did King David, but desire still rages through pornography on the internet. A person may not spend time worshipping a silver idol, but many still put more value on material things than the things of God. Fewer gossip at the city market as was done in the past, but more talk about others quite a bit on the phone or e-mail.

Mankind has not changed, and because he is basically the same, we can learn about how problems were dealt with in the past, what their consequences were, and how one can face hardships. God’s wisdom is preserved for us in God’s Word.

A wise person learns from others’ mistakes. One should follow advice and wisdom that has worked in the past. The Bible contains much of man’s knowledge and, most importantly, God’s leadership on how to get through life.

God went through a lot of trouble to ensure we have every word He wants us to have so we can have a successful life. Are you wise, and are you reading God’s example book?

“Wisdom is applied knowledge.”

They Can’t Understand
Bill Brinkworth

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” I Corinthians 2:14

Many people try to understand the things of God, but they never truly grasp His truths, nor do they seem real to them. They may have studied the Scriptures, memorized them, and appeared knowledgeable about biblical facts. However, there still seems to be a veil that does not allow them to see and understand the truths from the Word of God.

Preaching also may be entertaining and even interesting to them. Still, the truths spoken to them from the pulpit never get into their hearts and change anything. Many even feel church attendance is meaningless, so they seldom attend.

It is often not the preacher’s fault that they “get nothing from the service” or “do not feel convicted.” This verse in I Corinthians 2 puts the finger on who some of them are and why a spiritual connection is missing in their lives.

Many are not grasping biblical truths or are not Spirit-led because they are “natural” men and women. They are either not born-again and cannot have a relationship with the Lord until they are saved or may be saved and are so worldly-minded that they could not hear the convicting Spirit of God if He blew an air horn in their left ear. A “natural” man is just how they were born, without any spiritual alterations, illuminations, and connections.

No one can understand the things of God unless the Holy Spirit shows them to him (I Cor. 2:11). A person can have a head-knowledge of biblical and spiritual things. Still, unless the Holy Spirit is involved, there will never be a connection to what the brain knows and what a person’s spiritual “heart” believes.

Educated preachers have been in left field regarding understanding God’s things because they were under their own power of understanding and not the Holy Spirit’s. Education alone does not make the “connection.”

Preaching and the things of God are not appreciated and are meaningless to a “natural” man. However, the preaching of the Word of God is important to a saved man. The exhortation of God’s Word and its teaching are spiritual food to a spiritual person. It encourages, guides, and strengthens a child of God. To him, it is foolish not to be at church where God’s Word is taught.

“If you want to hear from the Father, you must speak the same language.”
— Barbara Brinkworth

A Form of Godliness
Bill Brinkworth

Paul warns us that sin will be rampant in the church’s last days. He lists 19 different sins churches during the end times will be guilty of in II Timothy 3. Many of those iniquities have always been committed by individuals throughout history.

In the last days, however, the commission of those sins will change civilization, and they will be committed without guilt or restraint. Although no man knows exactly when the Lord will return for His church, one has to admit that the prominence and rampant involvement of the sins listed in this chapter describe today’s spiritual condition too well.

One particular sin has done so much damage to the cause of Christ and Christian living. It may look Christian. It may use religious and Christian vocabulary. Perhaps it may even involve many doing biblically correct things, but this sin is very deceptive and dangerous. It is watered-down, liberal Christianity. It is a “… form of godliness, but denying the power thereof …” (I Tim. 3:5 5), and it is doing much damage in the world today.

Most want to please God and believe He is real sometime in their life. Many look for Him in a church. They go there, but instead of hearing the true Word of God preached and practiced, they only hear partial truths and a lot of humanistic, unbiblical teaching.

Because so many do not search and study the Scriptures themselves, they soak up and believe lies. Sadly, so many will die and open their eyes in a dark, tormenting Hell only to discover that they were led astray by false teachers, preachers, and lies. That is why Paul said to avoid any church or ministry that does not align with what the Word of God teaches (II Tim. 3:5).

However, as dangerous as it is, unless people find the truth in the Word of God for themselves, they will never see the lies they may have been exposed to. To make matters worse, even the Word of God has been tampered with by those that are deceiving those searching for the truth.

Words have been added to modernized “bibles,” and words have been removed or changed. Even if they pick up a newer translation (any other than the KJV version for English-speaking people), they are still only getting a “… form of godliness.”

Seminaries that once trained leaders of churches sthat did much for the cause of Christ have strayed far from biblical teachings and practices. Denominations have replaced the Word of God with their writings or modified a “bible” to teach their beliefs.

Many churches have embraced all religions into their fellowship and called themselves non-denominational or have gotten far from where they spiritually stood years ago. Some organizations have cropped up discarding biblical references and created their own philosophies and religion.

As the time approaches for the Lord’s return, finding churches that teach the truth is getting more difficult. However, we cannot blame them alone for their errors. Most of the time, they have been allowed to stray from biblical teachings because there were none or few that even knew the truths the Bible teaches. That is why it is essential, as II Timothy 2:15 says, to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” If more would delve into the Scriptures for themselves, fewer watered-down, unbiblical teachings from pulpits would go unchallenged.

“A little arsenic in a glass of drinking water will poison the drinker. Just a few altered words in the ‘bible’ will poison one’s mind about the things of God.”
— Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #902 — Salvation

In This Issue:
Unacceptable Payment
His Part and God’s
Whosoever and Whatsoever
Necessary and Enough
“Just Ask for Them!”
God Does the Saving

Volume: 902 March 27, 2023
Theme: Salvation

Unacceptable Payment
Bill Brinkworth

Christopher eyed the video game one more time. The young, potential customer glanced at the counter salesman before he dug into his jean pockets. He was determined to buy that game. Imaginative visions of flying through space on his video game’s starship encouraged him to search his pockets even deeper.

He wrestled out of its denim prison one wiggling frog, which he pridefully placed on the store’s counter top. “Will you take this frog, and,” he then dug his dirty hand into another pocket and extruded three, long red licorice twists, and placed them next to the ribbeting amphibian, “and these three pieces of candy?”

“Young man,” the grimacing clerk answered, “We cannot take your frog or your candy. The price of that game is $29.95. You need that amount to walk out of here with the game.”

A persistent hand dove into a jacket pocket and produced a baseball mitt. “Well, this glove is one of the best you can buy. It is worth far more than $29.95. Won’t you take the glove for that game?”

The clerk shook his head.

“How’s about the glove, candy, the frog, and,” and out of his seemingly endless supply of pockets produced one more item and banged it on the countertop, “this packet of baseball cards? It’s got to be worth something.”

“Young man, I appreciate your effort; but the only payment acceptable is $29.95 in American currency. That is the only payment we recognize here.”

The boy wandered away, returning all his valuables to their denim storage facility. “It just ain’t right,” the boy muttered as he left the store, “It seems to me that my stuff is worth more than that lousy $29.95.”

Many think similarly about salvation. God says the only payment acceptable for anyone’s sins is the blood of His only Son, Jesus. Man still tries to pay his way to Heaven with his “currency.”

Many try to pay for entrance into Heaven with their good works, performing “religious” rites, and following church rules. “Surely,” they think, “if my good deeds outweigh the bad things I have done, God will like what I have done and let me in.”
“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

Our charitable donations, helping others, religious acts, sacrificial efforts, and good works may be good, but they will earn no one a ticket to Heaven. Those deeds are the frogs, candy, and baseball cards God will not accept as payment into Heaven. The only way anyone will get to Heaven is by receiving the price that Christ paid with His blood for our iniquities.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

His Part and God’s
Dr. Harry Ironside

A man rose in a meeting to testify to God’s saving grace. He told how the Lord had won his heart and given deliverance from the guilt and power of sin. The man spoke of Christ and His work but said nothing of his efforts.

The leader of the meeting was of a legalistic mindset. When the man’s testimony was ended, he added, “Our brother has only told us of the Lord’s part in his salvation. When I was converted, there was a whole lot I had to do myself before I could expect the Lord to do anything for me. Brother, didn’t you do your part first before God did His?”

The other man was on his feet instantly and replied, “Yes, sir. I clear done forgot. I didn’t tell you ‘bout my part, did I? Well, I did my part for over thirty years, runnin’ away from God as fast as my sins could carry me. That was my part. An’ God took aftah me till He run me down. That was His part.”

“There are either of two things we must do. One is to send back the message to Heaven that we don’t want the blood of Christ to cleanse us of our sin, or else accept it.” — D. L. Moody

Whosoever and Whatsoever
Author Unknown

Two precious words are often used in the mouth of Christ: whosoever and whatsoever.
“… And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13

“Whosoever” is outside the gate and lets in all who choose. “Whatsoever” is on the inside and gives those who enter the free range of all the region and treasury of grace. “Whosoever” makes salvation free. “Whatsoever” makes it full.

“What we mean by salvation is this: deliverance from the love of sin, rescue from the habit of sin, and to be set free from the desire to sin.” — Spurgeon

Necessary and Enough
Dr. Harry Ironside

In a hospital ward, a lady missionary found an undersized and undeveloped little Irish boy whose pale, wizened face and emaciated form burdened her heart for the child. She spoke of his soul’s need, and he was made aware of his lost condition, insomuch that he seriously considered how he might be saved.

Brought up a Catholic, he thought and spoke of penance, confessionals, sacraments, and the church, yet never mentioned Christ Jesus and His atoning work. The two talked about what the Scriptures said, but he made no decision at the time for salvation.

The following day the lady called upon him again and found his face aglow with a new found joy. Inquiring the reason, he replied with an assurance born of faith in the revealed Word of God, “O miss, I always knew that Jesus was necessary, but I never knew till yesterday that He was enough!”

“Human nature’s way of salvation is, ‘Do, do, do.’ God’s way of salvation is, ‘Done, done, it is all done.’ You have but to rely by faith on the atonement that Christ accomplished on the cross.” — Spurgeon

“Just Ask for Them!”
Walter Knight

Colonel Teddy Roosevelt commanded a rough-rider regiment in Cuba during the Spanish War. He became much attached to his men and was concerned when several got sick.

Hearing that Miss Clara Barton (the lady who devoted herself to nursing the wounded soldiers) had received a shipment of medicines and food for the invalids under her care, Colonel Roosevelt requested her to sell a portion of them to him for the sick men of his regiment.

His request was refused. The Colonel was very troubled. He cared for his men and was willing to pay for the supplies out of his pocket.

“How can I get these things?” he asked. “I must have proper food for my sick men.”

“Just ask for them, Colonel.”

“Oh,” said Roosevelt, his face breaking into a smile, “that’s the way, is it? Then I ask for them.” He got the supplies at once.

Have you asked the Lord Jesus to save you from the wages of your sins?
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23

God Does the Saving
D. L. Moody

Men will never find salvation until they give up all efforts to save themselves. Someone asked a man how he got converted. To answer the question, he built a fire in a circle around a worm. After the worm had crawled around in every direction, it lay down to die. The man then reached over the flames, took the worm out, and put it in a safe place. “That is how we all get saved,” replied the man. “God does the saving.”

“Exposure to the Son prevents burning.”

The BIBLE VIEW #901 — Sin

In This Issue:
The Pet Rattler
Little Sins
The Apple with A Wormhole
I Believe
Sin
How Heavy Is The “Burden of Sin”?
The Pressure of Need

Volume: 901 March 20, 2023
Theme: Sin

The Pet Rattler
Robert G. Lee, in Whilrwinds of God

The Memphis Commercial Appeal carried a news dispatch of a man in Arkansas who had a pet rattlesnake. The fellow found the snake as a baby snake. He took, fed, and made quite a pet of it. The reptile would come when he whistled. It would eat from his fingers. It would coil around his arm and let him stroke its head with the palm of his hand or the tips of his fingers.

One day, he took it to town to exhibit it among his friends. They marveled at its gentleness, how it coiled itself around his arm, how it would come when he whistled, and were amazed that it would eat from his hand.

He went back home with his pet. When he got home, suddenly, with only the slightest provocation, the reptile became angry. Quicker than the zig-zag lightning flashes from the bosom of a dark cloud, that pet rattler buried its fangs in the man’s arm. In a few hours, the man was dead. In one quick instant, with poisonous fangs, the serpent had written the man’s death in his own blood. Two nights later, the man who should have been sitting with his family was buried in the mud of an Arkansas grave.

With such dread cometh such an hour to every man and woman who makes a pet of sin. A time of terror awaits the person who disregards what God forbids.

Do not befriend sin. It is hazardous and always has a price that no one desires to pay. A day of dreaded despair may come, as that man learned when he pulled the pet snake’s fangs from his arm.
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

Turn away from iniquity now. There’s danger and death in delay. Let go of that sin! Drop it now!

Little Sins
Spurgeon

Years ago, there was not a single thistle in Australia. A Scotchman, who admired thistles, thought it a pity that such a great island should be without that great symbol of his nation.

He collected a pack of thistle seeds and sent it over to one of his friends in Australia. When it landed, the inspection officers may have said, “Oh, let them in. There’s only a few seeds? It is only to be sown in a garden.”

Yes, it was but a few, but now entire districts of the country are covered with it, and it has become the farmer’s pest and plague. Just a “few” sins, like several seeds, can spread, soon become uncontrollable, and ruin lives.
“Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” I Corinthians 5:6

The Apple with A Wormhole
Author Unknown

You may have seen an apple with a wormhole in it. Do you know whether the worm bore the apple from the inside or the outside?

Most would say “from the outside,” but the scientist would disagree. Sometimes the worm began from the inside. The egg may have been laid on the blossom, and the worm hatched in the apple’s heart. Later, it bored its way out.

That is precisely the way the worm of sin starts its destructive work. It begins in one’s spiritual heart, bores its way out, and can ruin lives.

One’s “heart” can direct one’s life. If one is determined to do what is biblically right, one will avoid many mistakes and hardships. If one allows sin and temptation guide them, they surely will encounter regrets and ruin.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” — Jeremiah 17:9

I Believe
Written before 1900 by General Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army

I believe that the chief dangers that confront the coming twentieth century will be:

Religion without the Holy Spirit,
Christianity without Christ,
Forgiveness without regeneration,
Morality without God, and
Heaven without Hell.

Sin
Author Unknown

Man calls sin an accident; God calls it an abomination.
Man calls sin a blunder; God calls it blindness.
Man calls sin a chance; God calls it a choice.
Man calls sin a defect; God calls it a disease.
Man calls sin an error; God calls it an enmity.
Man calls sin fascination; God calls it fatality.
Man calls sin infirmity; God calls it iniquity.
Man calls sin luxury; God calls it leprosy.
Man calls sin liberty; God calls it lawlessness.
Man calls sin a trifle; God calls it a tragedy.
Man calls sin a mistake; God calls it madness.
Man calls sin a weakness; God calls it willfulness.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

How Heavy Is The Burden of Sin?
Author Unknown

As a preacher talked, a flippant youth interrupted him, “You tell about the burden of sin. I feel none! How heavy is it? Eight pounds? Two pounds? Twenty?”

The preacher answered, “Tell me, if you laid four hundred pounds of weight on a corpse, would it feel the load?”

“No,” replied the youth, “because it is dead and can feel nothing.”

“An unsaved soul is dead and does not feel the load of sin,” was the preacher’s answer.
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” Ephesians 2:1-6

The Pressure of Need
Gospel Herald

If we have a conviction of sin, we will feel the pressure not to commit iniquity. Sin is not a theological abstraction; it is a genuine threat to one’s life.

Iniquity is the evil of the world brought home to our door. It is the lust of the world that brings men to ruin. It is the lowered moral standard that threatens our youth. The greed for power and money fills the economic world with corruption. It is impatience without discipline that breaks up our homes.

Sin crouches at the doors of all people to weaken them. Iniquity is as real as the flu or cancer. We daily face the sickness of the soul which sin has created.

Much of the world is lost. Men are lost when they do not trust Christ as payment for all their sins. They do not know or care where they are, where they are going, or why they are here.

They are lost when their moral compass does not operate and when the price tags on sin are so demanding, they cannot tell what life’s values are.

We should not be surprised if people stay away from church meetings. Why should they come? They are lost. They do not know God or the Father’s will and way.

The BIBLE VIEW #900 — Preaching

In This Issue:
He Was Right!
The Preacher’s Advice

Volume: 900 February 20, 2023
Theme: Preaching

He Was Right!
Bill Brinkworth

Although I was saved at 12, I did not live right and for the Lord. A spiritual change did not occur until I was 28, in the late 70s.

When I finally got right with the Lord, I looked for the right church. After about six months, I found the one I knew God wanted me to attend. The pastor was Paul Fedena, a wise, godly man who knew the Word of God well.

His preaching often touched on current events and how Christians should react and spiritually examine them. Pastor Fedena touched on many “hot” topics. Many people were glad about the warnings; others got mad and pouted off, never to change their life nor darken the ministry’s doors again.

One sore spot for many was the time spent watching television preachers. The pastor warned that their doctrine was often unbiblical, and many were in it for the money. He cautioned not to send them tithes and offerings as the money would go to the continuance of false teachings and often their personal bank accounts.
“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” Philippians 3:18-19

Many got very mad when their favorite television “pastor” was pointed out for doing wrong. Some stormed out. However, it was not long before the pastor’s discernments proved true. Some evangelists were found out, and some were sent to jail. Others had their scams revealed, as were the large amounts of money absconded for personal use. The preacher was right!

There was also preaching against the charismatic movement. Well-researched information was given to the congregation about how the spiritual gifts for the early church were not for today’s believers who were to live by faith and not sight.
“Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” I Corinthians 13:8

Scams of some false teachers were revealed, yet many Christians got mad and stormed out of the church when unbiblical teachings and deeds were exposed. Again, the pastor was right!

Another very sore spot was touched upon. The preacher repeatedly revealed what the Bible said about the dress and appearance of men and women.

At that time, women were beginning to wear pants publically which were worn by men only for centuries. He also exposed men’s hair-styles as not biblical as men were not to appear “effeminate” and not to have the “hair of a woman.”
“The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” Deuteronomy 22:5
“Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?” I Corinthians 11:14

His admonitions included that the respect and distinction of the sexes would be confused. He warned men would be doing what God assigned and prepared women to do, and women’s roles and abilities would also be changed and abused. The sin of homosexuality was discussed, and that changes in men’s and women’s goals and standards would cause that sin to be more prevalent.

People strongly disagreed with the preacher’s discernments, as “so many were doing it, so it could not possibly be wrong.” The pastor was mocked for his stand. Many ignored his warnings. Women wore pants in defiance, and men strutted their long hair. Pastor’s warnings from the Bible were disregarded by many.

Now, look at what has happened to society. The sexes are confused. Men are often not the leaders God desires them to be. Women wear the “apparel of man,” and men wear their hair however they choose. Family values and structures have changed, and divorces are at an all-time high.

Homosexuality and transsexuality, recognized as mental illnesses during that time, are now prevalent and even encouraged in some circles. Many are now angered when those practices and sins are mentioned and spoken about negatively. Again, the pastor’s warning against breaking biblical taboos came true. He was right!

Separation from ungodly living and worldliness were also preached against. It was made clear to the congregation that when Christians get too close to sin, they would soon become desensitized about it, would no longer be convicted by iniquity, and would soon be no different from the ungodly.
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” II Corinthians 6:17

Slowly preaching in other ministries caved into the pull to be more like the world “to get more to come to church.” They encouraged rock music to replace biblical-based hymns. Dress standards were removed. The reliable, preserved King James Bible was replaced with modern perversions of what God saved to direct His people.

Eventually, many churches became places of entertainment rather than stalwarts of the truth. Faithful and bold preaching of God’s Word was replaced by watered-down opinions and soothing sermonettes. Refusal to separate from sin and worldly places of fellowship stopped many churches from being healing institutions for sin-sick souls.

Again, the preacher’s warnings sadly came true. To the surprise of the modern preachers, church attendance diminished significantly, the Gospel was not emphasized, and the power of God was off many ministries.

Although we should heed what comes from the pulpit, not all preachers’ predictions and discernments come to fruition. However, when the Word of God is believed, trusted, and used as the only illuminating light, it will expose many sins, wrong doctrines, and guide one through the maze of temptations and iniquities.

The Bible’s exposing wrong activities, teachings, and behaviors is not limited to a preacher’s discernment. Any Word-of-God-grounded Christian can also determine what is of God and what is not.

Do not let popular beliefs and actions be your compass for finding God’s truths. Often, the majority is not right.

Dive into and diligently study His Word for yourself. Use it to direct your path in this sin-sick world, and you, too, can discern right from wrong and His will and way.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15

“To love to preach is one thing; to love those to whom we preach is quite another.” — Cecil

The Preacher’s Advice
Bill Brinkworth

In giving pastoral advice to another preacher, Titus, Paul showed us we could often face what the early church had to be wary. Churches had to be careful of false teachers undermining the work of God.

Paul’s warnings to Titus can help us identify some false preaching and teaching in pulpits today. Some of the telltale signs of a “false preacher” include:

They are preaching things that should not be preached or taught. Perhaps some of what came from the pulpit was not even biblical, as happens in many ministries today. Somehow, what was said was often motivated by the preacher’s desire to make more money for himself (Titus 1:11).
Much of what was said ruined families. Perhaps unwise preaching brought division rather than unity in families and caused problems (Titus 1:11). It may also have been teachings that encouraged families to leave the church.
Their having their own prophets (Titus 1:12) that supposedly got a “new message from God” and added their thoughts and philosophies. Today, we see this with Muslims following the teaching of their prophet, Mohammed, and the Mormons following their “prophet,” Joseph Smith. It also is seen in other religions and denominations throughout the world.
Their teaching of “fables, and commandments of men” (Titus 1:14). Instead of “thus saith the Lord,” it was “thus saith the preacher” or “thus saith our religion.” Today, we see this with many false religions having their own books and teachings that receive more credence than the Word of God.
Their works proved they were not from God (Titus 1:16). They claimed they were from God with their mouth, but their involvement in sin and ungodly actions was contrary to their profession.

Many claim that they will not “judge” others, and we should not. However, we must discern right from wrong and avoid what God does not approve. False religion is one danger we need to recognize as not being of God. It must be avoided before damage is done to our thinking, testimony, and Christian walk.

“There are only two types of religions: those that “do” to get God to overlook their sin and those that know that Jesus paid for their iniquities on the cross.”