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The BIBLE VIEW #864 — Carnality

In This Issue:
Baby Christians 
Stay!
Blinded by Carnality
What the Bible Says about Carnality

Volume: 864     June 27, 2022
Theme: Carnality  

Are you reading the Bible every day?  If not, have the FREE Daily View Devotion e-mailed to you.  Learn something taught in a KJV chapter from a short commentary, read the chapter and more spiritual “meat” for the hungry soul. Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M

Three FREE forms of the Bible View weekly newsletter are available to reach more with sound, biblical doctrine.  They are the ministry version, suitable for church bulletin inserts or handouts, the e-mail version, and LARGE PRINT editions.  They are available at: http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html. 


Baby Christians
Bill Brinkworth

In I Corinthians 3, Paul discusses spiritually weak people.  He identifies this type of Christians at the church in Corinth (I Corinthians 1:2) as baby Christians (I Corinthians 3:1).

Because they had not spiritually matured, the preacher had to watch what he said and taught them.  He could only tell them less demanding things about God.  If he revealed the “harder” things of God, they would react improperly to the spiritual “meat.”  They were saved because Paul addressed them as “brethren” (I Cor. 3:1), but they were very carnal (I Cor. 3:3). 

Noah Webster defined “carnal” as “pertaining to the flesh.”  The “baby” Christians’ deep involvement in things of the world clouded any dealings the Spirit of God tried to have with them.  They did what felt good and interested them, but were not spiritually pliable.

Today, Christianity is also weakened by those trying to straddle both worlds.  They never grow in the things of the Lord.  They try to be like everyone else, have all the pleasures this life can offer them, and minimally tip their hat to God.  Obedience to God is not a priority in their thinking.

Any mention of the “harder” things of God, and many today also get uncomfortable or mad.  They can agree on being saved and may even be baptized.  Heads will nod in agreement with Christian practices that do not require sacrifice or changes. 

However, mention separation from sinful practices or from influences that could get one too close to sin, and suddenly, “the preacher is fanatical.”  Suggest obeying the commandments recorded in the Bible, and their justification will be, “I don’t think God meant it for today’s people.  That was for people a long time ago.” Show them where the Bible says that one should give God part of their income (Malachi 3:8-9), and their anger turns their face red and they stammer, “God knows I can’t afford it, so he doesn’t expect me to give.”  Hint that they should be faithful in attending church, and you will hear more justification and excuses for their lack of commitment to the assembly of local believers.

We still have “baby” Christians today.  They never “grow up” spiritually.  They never take the steps of faith necessary to help them grow closer and depend more on their loving Father.  Amazingly, many even model themselves after the early, carnal church of Corinth and ignore Paul’s rebuke of that church’s immature Christian practices.

Carnality will always be a temptation for all Christians.  Encouragingly, some still step out by faith and follow wherever the Holy Spirit leads them.  They are the ones that are saved and commit, “Okay, Lord, show me what you want me to do next in your Word, and I will do it.”  They happily do what they are shown to do and allow God to use them and work in their lives.  They are the ones that have no problem digesting the “meat” that God allows them to hear.  Those Christians are the ones God is looking for and uses the most.

“If Christians do not read and obey the Bible, they will never grow spiritually!”


Stay!
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

Everyone that attends a church has someone falsely accusing him of something or else has his feelings hurt at least once.  No church is perfect.  It is a God-commanded assembly of believers, and it may have mostly Christians in attendance, but none of them are without sin. 

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

Too many, unfortunately, get wind of what was said about them and leave the church.  My first thought is usually, “Who would be behind such a move of leaving a ministry for the wrong reasons — God or Satan?”  It certainly would not be of God to disobey his commandment (Hebrews 10:24-25) to assemble with believers. Yet, people leave churches all the time for the wrong reasons.

In the past, my wife and I have had things said about us by other church family members.  The false accusations hurt us deeply, but we remembered we were not in attendance for those people but for God.  He wanted us to stay, and we did.

It was a hard time, and much praying was done on our part.  However, we never missed a service and kept at the work the Lord had for us.  Over time, we looked around and noticed that we had our nose to the grindstone doing what God had laid on our hearts, but our accusers were no longer in attendance.  God takes care of his own, but that does not mean that there will not be difficulties.

Paul stayed and did what God told him to do, and God used him greatly.  His accusers’ names are not mentioned in the Bible, but Paul is still remembered. Purpose in your heart who you will serve (Joshua 24:15), and let the Lord handle the light work.  Be a “Paul.”

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


Blinded by Carnality
Bill Brinkworth

Many of Paul’s letters rebuked the Corinthian church (I Corinthian 11:17, 22).  Because many in that church never truly rid themselves of the snares of their past worldly lives, it hampered them often from growing in the things of the Lord.  Scriptural instructions intended to help them grow spiritually and get closer to their God and Christian brethren often became a source of contention amongst themselves and caused division instead (I Cor. 11:18-19). One such instance was the way they conducted the Lord’s Supper.

The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper was to help them remember (I Cor. 11:25-26) what Jesus had done for them. It was to be a solemn remembrance of God’s Son’s sacrifice for them when His body was “broken” (nailed to the cross) and His blood spilled for their sins.

Instead, they took that time and made it into a feast. Some went hungry.  Some got drunk (I Cor. 11:21). Others were embarrassed for not having what others had (I Cor. 11:22). The meaning of the Lord’s Supper was forgotten.

Because they lost the supper’s meaning and purpose (I Cor. 11:29), Paul warned that it would bring them harm rather than good.  Instead of blessing and unity, their drinking and eating brought them damnation and division. So wicked did the event become that some got sick and others even died (I Cor. 11:30) because they refused to discern the Lord’s body.  They were to judge and remember their sins.  They did not, and God judged some of them for their added sin.

Believers are to continue this time of remembering the broken body and spilt blood of our Saviour even today (I Cor. 11:26). It is not a “party-time” but a judge-our-own-sins time.  It is a time that we do not look around at others to see their faults, but remember our own.  The intent of this time is for us to remember.  Remember what Jesus did for us and keep our spiritual “slates” clean between Him and us. 

“Humility is produced by remembering the pit we have come from.”


What the Bible Says about Carnality

  • “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Romans 8:5-7  Many worldly Christians think themselves spiritual, but God says they are His enemies.
  • “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 [worldly desires of the flesh].” Matthew 6:24
  • “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  A person may be saved on the inside, but he still has the natural side of him He was born with. He will battle the desire to do what his “natural man” wants to do until the day he dies.eaven, bu Those living for the flesh’s wants will not understand the things of God.
  • “Ye adulterers and adulteresses [Those that serve the flesh are committing spiritual adultery.  They are going after the ‘gods’ of this world and are not faithful to the God in Heaven], know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4

“Christian, if you feed the ‘carnal’ part of you more than the spiritual part, the worldly, carnal side will grow stronger.  You will battle spiritual weakness and immaturity until you change your feeding habits!”

The BIBLE VIEW #863 — God’s Promises

In This Issue:
You Can Trust Him
Promises about Salvation
Promises about Forgiveness
Promises of Courage
Promises about Fear
Promises of Help in Time of Trouble
Promises for The Lonely
Promises and Commandments for Marriage

Volume: 863     June 20, 2022
Theme: God’s Promises  

Are you reading the Bible every day?  If not, have the FREE Daily View Devotion e-mailed to you.  Learn something taught in a KJV chapter from a short commentary, read the chapter and more spiritual “meat” for the hungry soul. Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M

Three FREE forms of the Bible View weekly newsletter are available to reach more with sound, biblical doctrine.  They are the ministry version, suitable for church bulletin inserts or handouts, the e-mail version, and LARGE PRINT editions.  They are available at: http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html. 


You Can Trust Him
Bill Brinkworth

“Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability [unchangeable] of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;”  Hebrews 6:17

Unlike sinful man, God cannot lie.  What He has preserved in His Word, the Bible, was true when it was penned, and it can be relied upon today with no reservations.

Truth about most matters is difficult to find. News medias too often air only part of the facts they want listeners or readers to believe.  Many politicians state only what they want the public to know.  Others often make statements without knowing or communicating the other side of the argument or story.  Opinions are often touted as facts when they are not!

Absolute truth is hard to find.  However, our Creator knows all sides of situations, loves us, and wants us to have the truth.  Authenticity, realism, exactness, and accuracy of situations and experiences are so important to Him that He has preserved truths for all to know.  What he has saved for us between the pages of our Bible can be relied upon.  If God said it, we can believe it.  God will not lie!

“If God said it, you must believe it!”


Promises about Salvation
“That whosoever believeth in him [Jesus] should not perish, but have eternal life.  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 3:15-16

“3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”  John 3:3-7

“For he hath made him [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” II Corinthians 5:21

“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

“We are saved by someone doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves.”
— Lester


Promises about Forgiveness
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.  26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:25

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.  36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.  37   Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” Luke 6:35-37  Also: Matthew 5:44.

“The habit of judging and condemning others is usually a great deal more serious blemish than are the things we so glibly point out as flaws or faults.” — Author Unknown


Promises of Courage
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14   Also: Psalm 31:24.

“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:12-13 

“Have courage for the great sorrows of life, and patience for the smaller ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace.  God is awake.  — Victor Hugo


Promises about Fear
“For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.” Psalm 37:28

“And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful?  how is it that ye have no faith?” Mark 4:40

“For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverb 1:33

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”  I Peter 3:12


Promises of Help in Time of Trouble
“But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.” Psalm 37:39

“The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” Nahum 1:7

“Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.” Psalm 32:7

“Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.  Selah.” Psalm 37:24

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” Psalm 73:26  Also: Psalm 73:26.

“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.  3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Psalm 18:2-3   Also: Psalm 18:2-3, 28:7.

“Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things.” 
— Beecher


Promises for The Lonely
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:18

“Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.  If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;” Isaiah 58:9

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”  II Corinthians 6:17-18  

“But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.” Psalm 40:17


Promises and Commandments for Marriage
“Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 9:9

“Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.” I Corinthians 7:3

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” Ephesians 5:25

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.” Ephesians  5:31

“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.  19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.” Colossians 3:18

The BIBLE VIEW #862 — Discouragement

In This Issue:
Un-Discouraged
Limit the Griping.  Increase the Praising!
“Hold the Fort, for I Am Coming!”

Volume: 862     June 13, 2022
Theme: Discouragement   

Are you reading the Bible every day?  If not, have the FREE Daily View Devotion e-mailed to you.  Learn something taught in a KJV chapter from a short commentary, read the chapter and more spiritual “meat” for the hungry soul. Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M

Three FREE forms of the Bible View weekly newsletter are available to reach more with sound, biblical doctrine.  They are the ministry version, suitable for church bulletin inserts or handouts, the e-mail version, and LARGE PRINT editions.  They are available at: http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html. 


Un-Discouraged
Bill Brinkworth

“And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.” Luke 12:22

We all have been vexed by what we have perceived as problems. Worrying over life’s troubles consumes too much time for many.  Sometimes the anxieties are legitimate; sometimes, they are only imagined and never come to fruition.

God has much to say about the sin of worrying in His Word.  Matthew 6:34, along with Luke 12:22, compels us not to worry about our needs and to take life’s obstacles on a day-by-day basis.

We have a lot on our plate for today; do not worry about what may or may not happen tomorrow.  Besides, what situation has worrying ever improved?
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.  Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34

Looking at all the possible challenges that could happen on another day is very frustrating.  I remember the same feeling when told to weed a 40-foot garden when I was younger.

My mother gave me the chore of weeding a backyard flower patch.  I worked a short time and then looked to the end, where I was to finish.  It seemed so far away and impossible.

I worked a little more and then looked to the far end.  I felt I would never get finished and that it was almost a hopeless task that would never be completed.

Then I came up with a different strategy.  Instead of looking at the whole task, I looked no further than two feet in front of me.

Looking up, I saw my short goal and weeded hard to reach it.  When I achieved that mark, I looked up two feet further and made that my next mission.

Never did I look to the end again.  I kept making short commitments.

I do remember at one point, which did not seem that long after starting, where I did permit myself to look back at where I had started. 

The beginning point was far, far behind me.  I did accomplish something.  I was beginning to realize that the task was obtainable.

Again, I returned to my two-foot tasks.  Before long, my next look at the two-foot objective made me realize it was the end.

Small bites at the task and not fretting over the overall picture made the job seem faster to complete and less agonizing.  I learned from that chore to set shorter goals and keep plodding at them until the main goal was reached.

Life has many challenges that we will face.  God does not give us more than we can handle.  Be concerned with what God gives us to do today.  When tomorrow comes, he will also give us the grace to meet the challenges we face on that day.

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


Limit the Griping.  Increase the Praising!
Bill Brinkworth

One reason people should daily read their Bible is to understand how to handle even the “little” problems.  In II Corinthians 2, we read that Paul learned a principle from experiences and shared it with his Corinthian friends.  He did not want them to learn the same lesson he did the hard way.  What he realized can be known by today’s Christians when the situation is also faced.
“But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.  2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?…”  II Corinthians 2:1-4

There is time to share one’s problems with friends and acquaintances, but it is not all the time! Paul learned that if he griped, complained, and shared all his sorrows all the time, there would be consequences.  When it came time for his friends to encourage him, none would be left to help him (II Corinthians 2:1-4).  They would all be too sorrowful and discouraged to console him.

Everyone knows a constant griper.  They complain about their job, parents, finances, politics, and much more.

After the grumbler shares their load of concerns and worries, their friends will often be depressed and discouraged.  The source of the complainer’s “pick-me-ups” will be sadder than the complainer.  There will be no one to encourage the person when he needs it.

After a while, many listeners soon realize that listening to the other person’s moaning and groaning gets them so depressed that they avoid being around that person.  The complainer’s problems increase when his circle of confidants is ducking for cover when he comes around.

Constant complaining grows tiresome to some.  It does more damage if the griper is a Christian.

When a Christian is heard grumbling, it also sends a message to the listener.  It leaves an impression to the complainee that God cannot handle the person’s problems.  The person appears defeated because God seemingly could not help them in their situation.  That is not the message that anyone should intentionally want anyone to learn.  Does that mean one should “hold it in” all the time?  No, it is a consideration that should be weighed when negative comments are spoken.

If more gave their difficulties and trials to God, there would be less need to be running to people to share one’s troubles.  God desires to be our first source of defense, not our last.  Go to Him instead of spreading ideas that God is limited in areas of help.  One can then share the goodness of God by telling others how the Lord delivered and helped them.  God can help anyone with anything! 

“Pelopidas, when informed that the number of the enemy was double that of his army, replied, “So much the better.  We shall conquer so many the more.” His confidence and positive outlook were more encouraging than a thousand spears.”  — Author Unknown


“Hold the Fort, for I Am Coming!”
D. L. Moody

I am told that when General Sherman went through Atlanta towards the sea, he left in the fort in the Kennesaw Mountains a handful of men to guard some rations that he brought there.

General Hood got into the outer rear and attacked the fort, driving the men in from the exterior works into the inner works.  For a long time, the battle raged fearfully.

Half of the men were killed or wounded.  The general, who was in command, was wounded seven different times.  When they were about ready to run up the white flag and surrender the fort, Sherman got within fifteen miles.  Through the signal corps on the mountain, he sent the message, “Hold the fort.  I am coming.  W. T. Sherman.”  That message fired up the soldiers’ hearts, and they held the fort until reinforcements came.  The stronghold did not go into the hands of their enemies.

Mr. Bliss wrote a hymn entitled, “Hold the Fort for I am coming.”  We need to hold our “fort” and not give up serving the Lord.  Our Saviour is in command, and He is coming.

Ho!  My comrades, see the signal
Waving in the sky!
Reinforcements now appearing.
Victory is nigh!

Refrain:“
Hold the fort, for I am coming,”
Jesus signals still,
Wave the answer back to heaven,“
By Thy grace we will.”

See the mighty hosts advancing,
Satan leading on;
Mighty men around us falling.
Courage almost gone.
Refrain.

See the glorious banner waving.
Hear the bugle blow.
In our Leader’s name we’ll triumph
Over every foe.
Refrain.

Fierce and long the battle rages,
But our Help is near;
Onward comes our Great Commander,
Cheer, my comrades, cheer!
Refrain.

The BIBLE VIEW #861 — Life-changing Sin

In This Issue:
Man and The First Sin
The Wages of Sin Loomed Overhead

Volume: 861     June 6, 2022
Theme: The First Sin

Are you reading the Bible every day?  If not, have the FREE Daily View Devotion e-mailed to you.  Learn something taught in a KJV chapter from a short commentary, read the chapter and more spiritual “meat” for the hungry soul. Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M

Three FREE forms of the Bible View weekly newsletter are available to reach more with sound, biblical doctrine.  They are the ministry version, suitable for church bulletin inserts or handouts, the e-mail version, and LARGE PRINT editions.  They are available at: http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html. 


Man and the First Sin
Bill Brinkworth

Sin’s first commission is the one event that changed the history of man.  Genesis 2-3 details the first sin and how it affected the first people on Earth and all following generations. 

Here is the biblical account of the first sin:
God made man from the dust of the ground.  We find that when God made man, His creation was placed in a garden, which was probably created on the third day.  The beautiful place of plenty was called the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8).  Eden was most likely located east of the Mediterranean Sea and West of the Persian Gulf.  Although the exact spot is unknown today, it was near the Euphrates River, joined by three ancient rivers.

We also find one crucial detail about God’s prize creation, man.  We learn of a feature of man that no other creature that God created had.  The first man was Adam, and he was made with a living soul (Gen. 2:7).
“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Gen. 2:7

His Creator immediately gave Adam responsibilities.  Some of the man’s jobs were to take care of the Garden God gave him (Gen. 2:15) and to name the animals (Gen. 2:19-20). 

The first man was also given his first commandment from His Creator.  Although Adam could eat any of the fruits in the Garden, he was forbidden to eat from the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil” (Gen. 2:17).  Adam was warned that he would die if he ate of the forbidden tree’s fruit!
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Gen. 2:17

We do not know what kind of fruit it bore.  It could have been an apple, a pear, or some exotic fruit.  Most people imagine the fruit was an apple only because that is what an artist painted many years ago.

Although the other animals had companions, the man had none.  God saw that it was not good that man was alone (Gen. 2:18).  The Creator put Adam to sleep and took one of his ribs (Gen. 2:16).  God closed up the incision on the man’s side and made Adam a companion from that rib.  When God brought what He had made to Adam, the man called her “Woman,” which means “she was taken from Man” (Gen. 2:23).  Now Adam had someone with whom he could share his life and work.  They were husband and wife (Gen. 2:25), naked and not ashamed of it.

In the Garden, there was a deceitful and crafty (“subtil”) serpent.  That snake did not slither on its belly as we see them do today (Gen. 3:14), and it talked (Gen. 3:1).  Perhaps, at the time, other creatures in the Garden also talked.

The sneaky serpent was Satan.  We know that the serpent was Satan, as he is called a serpent in Rev. 12:9.  Throughout the Bible, we see Satan’s intervention as one who tries to get mankind to do contrary to what God commands us not to do. He also is a deceiver (I Chron. 21:1, II Cor. 11:3, Rev. 20:2, 10).
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Rev.  12:9.

Satan had a plan to get the man and his wife to break God’s commandment.  He got Eve to question what God commanded Adam not to do.
“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?” Gen. 3:1.

The serpent’s ploy confused Eve, as she had only heard God’s commandment indirectly from Adam.  She incorrectly re-iterated to Satan what God had said to Adam.  God never told Adam not to touch the tree.  Adam was to tend (“dress”) the trees, so he had probably come in contact with the tree.  He was told not to eat the fruit of the tree.
“And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.” Gen. 3:2-3.

Satan continued with his deception.  He got Eve to think that God was not telling the truth and that she surely would not die if she ate of the tree (Gen. 3:4).  The enemy of God advanced his attack by convincing Eve that God did not want them to eat the fruit because if they did, they would know good and evil and be as “gods.”  She was also tempted by the idea that she could be like God.
“For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Gen. 3:5 

Eve fell for Satan’s trickery.  She ate the fruit and gave it to Adam to eat.  Although the woman was deceived, Adam also partook of the fruit.  That brief moment of his disobedience to God’s commandment changed his and Eve’s life, the world, and much that was in it.  It was the biggest disaster that ever happened on this planet!  The first sin was committed.
”And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.”  I Tim.  2:14

Sin is the most destructive activity on Earth.  It has ruined, destroyed, changed, and shortened lives.  Iniquity has broken hearts, sent billions of souls to Hell, separated man from God, and had many other disastrous results.  Because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, sin was now in the world!  The world would never be the same!

The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil did not have to be there.  God put it there for a reason.  It was an opportunity for the man and his wife to trust God and do what He had commanded.  There was always and will always be a temptation to do wrong.  It is always up to individuals to make the right decisions and not submit to temptation.

Although we have not walked and talked with God in person, as did Adam and Eve, we still have commandments that we should obey.  The Bible is the source where we can learn al of sHis commandments. 

Many of them we have already learned.  We know that lying is against God’s commandment.  We know that stealing is wrong.  It is also understood that it is wrong to disobey our parents.  Most may know what is right and wrong, but when they purposely commit those sins, we are deciding, as did Adam and Eve, to disobey God.

We can see how Adam and Eve ruined their relationship with God and hurt themselves, but we do the same too often.  We may think that what the first man and woman did was more serious than our disobedience to God’s commandments; however, our sin is a life-changing iniquity in God’s eyes.  Sin is against God.   It hurts us and others around us, as did the first sin.

“If God put Adam out of the earthly Eden on account of one sin, do you
think He will let us into the Paradise above with our tens of thousands
of sins upon us?”  — D. L. Moody

The Wage of Sin Loomed Overhead
C. H. Spurgeon

I am reminded of the story of Dionysius, the tyrant.  He wished to punish the one who had displeased him.  He invited him to a noble feast.

Rich were the foods that were spread upon the table and rare the wines he was invited to drink.  A chair was placed at the head of the table, and the guest was seated upon it.

Horror of horrors!  The feast might have been rich, but the guest was miserable.  However splendid was the array of servants and rich the dainties, yet he who had been invited sat there in agony.  For what reason?  Because over his head hung a sword; a furbished sword, suspended by a single hair.  He sat with the sword above him, with nothing but a hair between him and death.  You may conceive the poor man’s misery.  He could not escape; he had to sit where he was.  How could he feast?  How could he rejoice?

My unconverted hearer, thou art today in a similar position.  You have all thy riches and thy wealth before thee, and with the comforts of a home and the joys of a household.  You are in a place from which thou canst not escape.  The sword of death hangs above thee.  It is prepared to descend; and woe unto thee, when it shall cleave thy soul from thy body.  Canst thou yet make mirth and yet procrastinate?  If thou canst, then surely thy sin is presumptuous in a high degree.

The BIBLE VIEW #860 — Gratefulness

In This Issue:
Be Grateful
Be Thankful
Count Your Blessings
Be Thankful for…

Volume: 860     May 30, 2022
Theme: Gratefulness  

Are you reading the Bible every day?  If not, have the FREE Daily View Devotion e-mailed to you.  Learn something taught in a KJV chapter from a short commentary, read the chapter and more spiritual “meat” for the hungry soul. Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M to start receiving it.

To reach more with sound, biblical doctrine, three FREE forms of the Bible View weekly newsletter are available.  They are the ministry version, suitable for church bulletin inserts or handouts, the e-mail version, and LARGE PRINT editions.  They are available at: http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html. 


Be Grateful
Bill Brinkworth

Christians too often get so encumbered with the cares of this world that they forget who they are and what they have.  They have the promise of Heaven, a caring heavenly Father, His guidance and protection, hope, blessings none of us deserve, and we know God’s truths (or should).  With all we have, we still forget we are on the winning side and how good God is to us.

The well-known Psalm 95:1 is an encouraging eraser for the “woe is me” or “everything is so terrible in my life” attitudes. That verse suggests that instead of complaining, we should “sing” to the Lord.
“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” Psalm 95:1

“Sing,” besides singing a song, means to shout aloud for joy, cry out, be joyful, rejoice, and triumph.  The negative poor-mouthing we often utter spurns defeat quickly and robs one of hope. However, if we find something to be joyful about and exclaim the victories we have gotten, our attitude will change. 

Even singing a hymn will help one return to being grateful and appreciative. The rest of the scripture verse also removes the excuse for not “singing” because they believe they have an unworthy voice. Verse 1 says to make a joyful noise if that’s all you can muster.  It’s not the quality of the “song,” it’s the exuberant, thankful heart that glorifies a great God and not the stumbling blocks we dote over.

There was a time when I found myself in the dumps. All I could see were the obstacles and defeats that I encountered. To flip the doldrums around, I sat down and made a list. In the blank leaf in the back of my Bible, I made a list of victories and things I had. It included salvation, a good wife, a home, a church family, and on and on went my inventory of blessings. After reading what I had written several times, I forgot about all I did not have and was most grateful for God’s goodness in my life. To this day, whenever I find myself being ungrateful, I reread that list. It is my “song” that helps me remember how good God is to me.


Be Thankful
Bill Brinkworth

Many of the Psalms reminds believers to be thankful for a mighty God and all He has done for His people.  Psalm 135 is no different.  The chapter starts with “Praise ye the Lord,” and it ends with the same reminder.

Old Testament and New Testament believers should have one grateful emotion in common. We both have so much to be thankful. There are so many reasons we should praise the Lord. 

Some of which we should appreciate the Lord include:

  • His controlling of the weather (Psalm 135:7).
  • God’s deliverance of Egpyt’s bondage of Israel (Psalm 135:8). Today’s believers also need to be thankful for safety in this life and liberation from sin.
  • The miracles God allowed to happen in lives (Psalm 135:9).
  • Deliverance from enemies (Psalm 135:10-11).
  • The land God gave Israel (Psalm 135:12)!  We also need to be grateful for the freedoms and opportunities we still have.
  • His enduring faithfulness to His people (Psalm 135:13).
  • His future judgments (Psalm 135:14). Many believe they have gotten away with their sin or wrong-doing. They have not. Judgment day has not yet come for them, but it will one day!

All have so much for which to praise the Lord. Unfortunately, the majority are blind to His working in their lives.

“The praise that comes of love does not make us vain, but humble rather.”  
— Barrie


Count Your Blessings
Hymn by Johnson Oatman (1897)

1 When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

2 Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.  [Refrain]

3 When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in Heaven, nor your home on high.  [Refrain]

4 So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.  [Refrain]

“Count your blessings, not your troubles, and it will make you grateful rather than discouraged!” — Bill Brinkworth


Be Thankful for…
Bill Brinkworth

Much of the good in our lives comes from the benevolent hands of God. However, He gets so little credit for what He has done. Psalm 107, along with many other hymns found in the Psalms, reminds the singer to proclaim to the unrealizing world what we are thankful for.

This chapter alone starts eight of its 43 verses with “O give thanks.” Five times “praise” is used, and five times God’s “goodness” is mentioned in Psalm 107. There is a great focus on counting our blessings and being thankful for what He has done in our life.

Among a plethora of what we should be grateful for, this chapter reminds us to be thankful for God’s:

  • Goodness (Psalm 107:1, 8-9, 21, 31).
  • Mercy (Psalm 107:1). The previous chapter also reminded believers of God’s generous, undeserved mercy.
    “Praise ye the LORD.  O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 106:1
  • Redemption and deliverance (Psalm 107:2, 6, 8, 10, 13-14, 16, 19-20, 28). Our salvation is redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and many times our situation is bought by the work of our mighty, protecting God.
  • Guidance, as He led, provided, and directed Israel (Psalm 107:3-5, 7, 9).
  • Changing situations (Psalm 10:24-27, 29-30, 33-38, 41) that hinder His people.

Israel’s worship songs often were reminders of what they should be appreciative. Although America has a holiday dedicated to being thankful (Thanksgiving Day), ALL people, especially Christians, should be grateful every minute of every day. Just think where we would be if He withdrew His goodness to us. We certainly would be most miserable.

Give thanks to the Almighty that has done so much for you.  Write on a piece of paper or a blank page at the back of your Bible things for which you are thankful. When times are more challenging, just a glance at those reminders of His goodness to you will help a grateful attitude return to an encouraged spirit.  Some even keep a journal of all the wonderful things God has done in their lives. We should never forget the mighty help of our God in our lives.

Thank you, Lord!

“The worship most acceptable to God comes from a thankful and cheerful heart.” — Plutarch

The BIBLE VIEW #859 — Religion

In This Issue:
Be of Christ, Not of Man
Don’t Follow the Religious.  Be the Righteous!
Real “Religion”
Avoid It Not
The Real Thing
When to Go

Volume: 859     May 16, 2022
Theme: “Religion”  

To reach more with sound, biblical doctrine, three FREE forms of the printable Bible View weekly newsletter are available.  They are the ministry version, suitable for church bulletin inserts or handouts, the e-mail version, and LARGE PRINT editions.  They are available at: http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html. 


Be of Christ, Not of Man
Bill Brinkworth

In the early church at Corinth, they had a problem that occurs even today within a church family.  The new church had some declare allegiance to the one who baptized them (I Corinthians 1:12).

Today, one hears of similar allegiances.  Instead of those claiming to follow the teachings of early church leaders and biblical principles, we hear of some claiming to be “Ruckmannites,” “Calvinists,” “Jimmy Swaggart”s, or another popular preacher they model their religious doctrines after.  Even a denominational name is used to make it sound like their association with them shows they are as correct as they think their leadership is.

A spiritual leader may be close to God and even faithful to biblical teachings, but following any man closely does not guarantee anyone else will be biblically correct.  A church label may indicate generally believed doctrines, but each congregation and member may have different beliefs.

I attend a Baptist church.  I believe that historically Baptist beliefs have been one of the closest to what the Bible teaches.  However, many Baptist congregations are as dead as a doorknob.  Some of them have had “Ichabod” spiritually engraved as their epitaph.  God has long ago departed from them.  Most “religious” labels mean very little.

What labels often do, however, is create divisions among the brethren (I Corinthians 1:11).  The contentions these divisions create often make a ministry have a poor testimony to those around it.  Ultimately, disputes among Christians give the Lord a bad testimony. 

Can you imagine what the unsaved must think of a church that cannot get along with each other?  “They’re Christians, and they can’t get along with each other.  I certainly don’t want to be a Christian if I end up like that!”

Paul reminded those fighting among themselves that Christ was not divided.  If we are born again, we are on the same side.  Above all, our testimony that the world should see should be only one label.  That label should be “Christian” — or “Christ-like.”

“Men will argue about their religion; write about it; fight for it; die for it; anything, but live for it.”  — C. Colton


Don’t Follow the Religious.  Be the Righteous!
Bill Brinkworth

Pharisees were a powerful, controlling Jewish group that boasted about and led “spiritual” activities in Jesus’ time.  They were known for their separation from the scripturally “unclean” practices of the worldly Gentiles.  Their understanding came from the intellectual scribes that had much to do with explaining and preserving the Scriptures.  At the time, if anyone were considered to be “godly” people, certainly it would have been the Pharisees. 

However, Jesus had much to say against that sect.  They were some of the “religious” people that opposed Jesus and tried to stop His preaching.  That group taught contrary to what the Word of God taught.  It was the Pharisees that led people in the wrong direction about spiritual matters.

John 8 tells much of what Jesus knew about this religious, but unrighteous, group including:

  • Their judgments and discernments of what they saw and heard were often determined by their weak flesh and not by God’s influence (John 8:15).
  • They did not know God (John 8:19).  Although this group was known for their wisdom of the Scriptures, Jesus knew that they were not of God.  They did not even know the true God, and He was not their Father (John 8:44).
  • Their garb and practices led people to believe they were religious, but Jesus knew that they were not of God, but of the devil (John 8:23, 44).
  • Their man-made “religion” would not save them.  Unless they believed and trusted in Jesus alone, they would die and face judgment for their sins (John 8:24).
  • They did not realize that they were held captive by their sins.  They were not spiritually free (John 8:31-37).
  • The truth of God did not direct their lives (John 8:37).  They were not obedient to the Word of God they had claimed to follow (John 8:37-39).

Today, the Pharisees may not control us, but we still have “religious” among us that are not righteous.  Even if they are faithful in going to church, doing “spiritual” things, or even talk the “Christian talk,” they may be as spiritually dead as were the Pharisees. 

The Bible reveals that the errors of today’s unrighteous “religious” are much the same as the Pharisees that Jesus rebuked.  “Religion” does not save or change anyone!  Only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and trusting and obeying God’s Word will change a person — from the inside out!

“The chief danger that confronts the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, Heaven without Hell.”
— General William Booth, Founder of the Salvation Army


Real “Religion”
J. Newton

The “religion” of some people is forced, something they feel obligated to do, not necessarily wanting to do.  Those people are like those that cause themselves to take a cold shower.  They take it not for pleasure but for necessity and health.  Reluctantly, they go into the frigid waters and are glad when they get out. 

Real “religion” to a true believer is like water to a fish.  It is his element.  He lives in it, and he could not be happy without it.

“Real ‘religion’ is a personal relationship with the resurrected Redeemer, not man-made, ritualistic routines under the guise of pleasing God.”
— Author Unknown


Avoid It Not
John Bate

Man does not refuse to cross the ocean because of its storms, travel by air because of accidents, or fight on the battlefield because of weaponry and deaths.  Nor does he fail to study science and philosophy because of their mysteries.  Likewise, man should not refuse to learn and practice God-ordered Christianity because of the various difficulties connected with it and by obeying His commandments.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”  John 3:30


The Real Thing
John Bate

  • One real dollar bill is worth a thousand counterfeits, however dim, wrinkled, and worn the genuine is.
  • One good, fruitful tree in an orchard is far more valuable than scores of trees, which may have beauty, but no fruit.
  • One genuine Christian, to God and the world, is worth a thousand hypocrites.
  • One acceptable prayer to God does more than the million that He rejects, even if the righteous’ prayer is simple, broken, and unpolished.

“I don’t like to use the label ‘religious’, as it usually brings up connotations of something man-made, not necessarily God-ordained.  I prefer the term “biblical.” — Bill Brinkworth


When to Go
John Bate

When considering being saved, some people imagine they should bring themselves into a condition of moral excellence before they seek salvation.  That is like:

  • A sick person waiting until he is well before he sees the physician;
  • Or an invalid waiting until he fully recovers before he seeks a change of air and place;
  • Or a hungry man waiting until his appetite is satisfied before he sits down to eat;
  • Or a person shivering with cold, waiting until he is warm before he lights a fire.

You go to the physician because you are sick, to the fresh air to improve your health, to the food because you are hungry, and to the fire because you are cold.  In the same way, you should seek the Saviour as you are because you have a great need.

“All that the Father giveth me [Jesus] shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37

The BIBLE VIEW #858 — Drifting Away

In This Issue:
Keep from Backsliding — Again!
Hymn Writer Loses Joy of Salvation
Go to the Devil

Volume: 858    May 9, 2022
Theme: Drifting Away  

Printable versions (bulletin insert, large print, and e-mail versions) of this Bible View and many others can be found at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html.


Keep From Backsliding – Again!
Bill Brinkworth

If there is a point when a Christian says, “I used to do” some spiritual feat that they are not doing any longer, chances are they are backslidden.  They may be “slidden” away from the spiritual height they once were. 

Some of the common “I used to do’s” include: I used to attend church, read my Bible, have a prayer life, go on visitation, teach a Sunday school class, fast, have a closer relationship with the Lord than I do now, and on the list can go.  If they are honest, every Christian will omit that they have been in a backslidden condition more than once.

Sometimes, not only can an individual be farther away from God than they were in the past, but also a nation or people can.   Such was the case with the people of Israel, as can be read in the book of Nehemiah.

The main center of Israel’s worship, Jerusalem, was deserted and in disarray in Nehemiah’s day.  No longer did its temple host sacrifices and the worshipping of God.  The place of worship was destroyed, as were the city’s walls and gates.  Streets were cluttered with debris.  No longer was the city used for worship because the people were backslidden away from their Creator.

God raised up a man, Nehemiah, who had the burden and fortitude to rebuild the center for worship.  It was difficult rebuilding the city.  Individuals opposed him.  The government tried to stop him.

As hopeless as the situation first appeared, others quickly joined him in the battle to return the city to what it should have been.  The people came out and joined him in the reconstruction. 

When the enemies increased, the rebuilding became more difficult.  There were times they built with one arm and wielded a weapon in the other to protect themselves.  However, the task got completed.  The place for worship was repaired and ready to be used.

As in any “backslidden” condition, it is hard to return to where one once was.  Reconstruction can be more difficult than the original “construction” in an individual’s life.  When people decide to return to where they once were with God, it is difficult to do, as Nehemiah realized.  The only way out of the backslidden condition is to do hard work, as did Nehemiah and the other Israelites.

After one has returned to the level he had once been, there is still a danger of backsliding again.  Nehemiah knew this, and after the city was rebuilt, he took several steps to make it difficult for the same disarray to happen to his people’s lives and worship. Those measures included:

  • Returning to proper worship.  Nehemiah’s situation differed from ours, as in his day they were under the law.  Still, he made sure that all who served in the temple were qualified by their lineage to be in the priesthood and were willing to worship correcrtly.

To return from a backslidden condition, we must make sure we worship properly in a good, Bible-obeying church.  Many get far from God, and when they want to get closer to Him, they pick the same worship (or lack thereof) that may have helped them get into the far-from God condition initially.  The spiritually wrong leaders or way of worship may lead them in the same wrong direction.  

When attempting to return to the Lord, make sure worship or the place you attend, has godly guidance.  Many have wanted to turn back to God, but the liberal, watered-down preaching they heard never included enough of the Word of God to guide them away from their backslidden condition.

  • Making changes.  Nehemiah’s charges had to stop their sin and get back to obedience to God.

No one can have two masters.  We cannot serve ourselves and God.  It must only be God that we serve, or we can end up far from Him.  The same selfish decisions that got us in the spiritual condition before will get us there again if we do not make the right choices!
“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.”  Matthew 6:24

  • Scripture.  Today, reading the Word of God is one of the most important measures one can take to prevent spiritual decline.

The source God has left behind for us to know His will and way is in the preserved King James Bible (for English-speaking people).  It has been kept so we would know what God desires of us. 

The Word of God cannot be replaced by opinions, Christian radio or television, or other media.  Although those sources can be a spiritually positive influence, we must read God’s Word ourselves.  Without doing so, we will not know God’s will and way. Too many have gotten far from God because they trusted another to feed them spiritually.  Because the spiritual “food” was tainted and not feeding one spiritually, they were not strong enough to make the right decisions.

  • Obeying God’s Word.  There is no way to return to God unless we follow, by faith, what God speaks to our hearts about and shows us in His Word.  Obedience is the difference between the “used to be”s and the ones sitting in the front row pew and serving God in a ministry.  The only way to get closer to God is to obey Him!
  • Remembering the spiritual errors they made in the past so they would not be repeated.

Ex-backsliders must know what they did to get themselves in the far-from-God position.  It will seldom be “he made me do it”, or “it wasn’t my fault”.  Usually, it is personal decisions that got us into a not-obeying-God-state.  We could have always said “no” to temptations.



Some paid a tremendous price to say “no” to disobedience.  They may have lost their job, friends, social standing, or even their lives, but they chose to obey.  To prevent backsliding, one must take responsibility for what was done wrong against God and avoid it in the future.  Seldom, if ever, are we “victims” in not obeying God.

As a Christian, we can follow and obey God every single day of our lives, but we will always have a weakness that we will have to battle the entirety of our lives.  That weakness is our sinful nature.  We may be forgiven, but we can quickly follow that nature and not God. 

When we obey God, we please Him.  Disobedience will cause us to backslide from a close fellowship with God.  There is always hope for a return to a close relationship with Him.  One should leave the self-life and return to the spirit-led life.  Do all you can to avoid backsliding again!

Christian, are you backslidden?  Come on home!



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. In his declining years, he wandered into the byways of sin.  As a result, Mr. Robinson became deeply troubled in his spirit.  Hoping to relieve his mind, he traveled.

In his journeys, he talked with a young woman about spiritual matters.  She asked him what he thought of a hymn she had just been reading.  To his astonishment, it was none other than his own composition.  He tried to evade her questions, but she continued to press him for a response.

Suddenly, he wept.   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.

“Inbred corruption is the worst corruption.  ‘Lord,’ said Augustine, ‘deliver me from my worst enemy, that wicked man — myself.’”— Spurgeon


Go to the Devil
Author Unknown

Before the turn of the last century, an ardent and dedicated Christian wrote a tract entitled “Come to Jesus.” It became famous and influenced many for Christ.

Later, he became engaged in a theological dispute.  In reply to a publication against his tract by an opponent, he wrote an article bristling with sharp and cutting words.  Looking for a title, he asked his friend.  His friend wisely suggested: “Call it ‘Go to the Devil’ by the Author of ‘Come to Jesus.’”  The writer destroyed the article.

“When a man, who professes to be converted, says that he goes into the world and sin for pleasure, it is as if an angel went to Hell for enjoyment.”  
— Spurgeon

The BIBLE VIEW #857 — Being Sure

In This Issue:
I’m Sure
How to Know If You Are Saved
The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago

Volume: 857    May 1, 2022
Theme: Being Sure

The FREE printable versions (bulletin insert, large print, and e-mail versions) of this Bible View and many others can be found at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html.

Are you reading the Bible every day?  If not, have the FREE Daily View Devotion e-mailed to you.  Learn something taught in a KJV chapter from a short commentary, read the chapter and more spiritual “meat” for the hungry soul.    Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M to start receiving it.


I’m Sure
Bill Brinkworth

One hears many “I think I am saved” and “I hope I am”s.  However, a long time ago, I settled on “I am sure I am saved and bound for Heaven.”  Countless others also have been able to make that same claim.

The assertion of one’s salvation must be centered on one’s being convinced that the Bible is the Word of God and that He preserved it so we could know His will and way.  If God’s source of truth is not settled, then there is nowhere else to gain the peace in knowing one’s eternal destiny.  

One must be convinced that what the Bible says is straight from God’s lips to those who recorded it for Him.  Once the authority and validity of what God dictated are established and that it has been preserved for us, obedience to it is the next step.

Security of an eternity in Heaven cannot be relied on by what a person or religion says.  Unless it aligns with God’s Word, what a religion claims, no matter how many followers it has, can be false and dishonest

I first read and acknowledged that I was a sinner.  There was no question about it.  I knew my past and heart that it was wicked and did what it thought was right or pleasurable.  I was reminded and convicted of my transgressions against God as I read.
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” Romans 3:10
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Rom.  3:23

Soon, I discovered that there was a terrible price to pay for my wickedness and sinning against a mighty and Holy Creator.  I did not want to pay for it, so I continued searching the Scriptures to find if there was a way to avoid the punishment due to me.  There was.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23

I found it!  God’s “way” had nothing to do with what I could do.  I could not take back my transgressions against a holy God.  Neither was there any way I could pay for my sin.  No amount of good deeds could save me or anyone!
“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
“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” II Timothy 1:9

As I studied, I found that there was a way to have all my sins — past, present, and future — forgotten and forgiven by God.  That way was to realize Jesus had already paid for my sins.  All I had to do was believe by faith that God’s only Son was the only one worthy enough to pay for my great sin-debt.  The Word of God said it, so I believed it and then asked and trusted Christ as my Saviour from an eternity in the Lake of Fire.

After that great step of faith, total assurance came.  A change in my life occurred.

Prayers got answered.  I had prayed most of my life and did not recall an answered petition.  I thought that was how it was to be.  We asked but seldom got answers to requests.  However, after being saved, that changed. 

God had done the impossible countless times.  When there was no hope to get necessary solutions to troubles I faced, I could depend that He would do what was best.  HE NEVER let me down.  Believing His answers to be coincidences soon were seen as foolish explanations.  He was real, and my prayers reached His throne room, where He thought me worthy enough to help and answer my requests.

More assurance that the Word of God was preserved, reliable, and trustworthy came as He helped me through the many challenges I faced.  As I relied on His promises, any doubts that God’s Word was the only tangible source of truth vanished. 

After obeying what God commanded in the Bible, more changes occurred in my life.  Behavior that did not bother me in the past was recognized as unfruitful and often sin.  Those past actions were no longer desired and often purposedly avoided and halted.

As I yielded to God’s commandments,  I could see how he used me to do things that I would never have done in a thousand years.  Conversations with others about the Saviour and God’s goodness yielded fruit I never expected or imagined.  Without knowing the person’s situation, I often said exactly what they needed to encourage them to turn to the Saviour.  I knew that it was not me that helped, but the Lord was working through me to minister to others.

More opportunities of service to the Lord were made available.  I accepted the challenges to do what God led me to do.   Priorities shifted from selfishness to the importance of others and their needs.  After a while, I noticed I did not have to worry about my own needs as He would meet them. 

There have been struggles and challenges, but now I see that they were necessary to help me grow.  Through it all, I must claim that God has changed my life.  I am a new creature, although I still stumble and fall, and let the Lord down so many times.   
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 Also Mark.  14:38.

I have heard similar testimonies from Christians from all over the world.  Being born again by God’s grace changes a believer.   We are certainly not perfect, but the changes prove He is real and still working in our lives.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

Although your journey through this life is most likely different than mine, can you still claim that you are convinced you are a child of God and on the way to Heaven?  Have you been saved?

“So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and Hell, tell him this,  ‘I admit that I deserve death and Hell, what of it?  For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf.  His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is, there I shall be also.”
— Martin Luther


How to Know If You Are Saved
Bill Brinkworth

After one is born again (John 3:3), it is often questioned, “Am I really saved?  How can I know for sure?” I John 3 helps answer some of those questions and doubts.

  • The first proof is “Whosoever abideth in him [Jesus] sinneth not …” (I John 3:6).  A typical reaction after reading that verse would be one of panic, “Oh no, I have sinned since I have been saved; therefore, I must not be saved.” 
    “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” I John 3:6

    That is not what is being addressed there.  Throughout the New Testament, it has been established that we can still sin even after we’re saved (Romans 3:10, 23). In I John 2:1, Christians are commanded not to sin, but if they do, they have an advocate (a person who defends one’s case in a court of law) in Christ. Why would we need an advocate if we did not sin?
    “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” I John  2:1

    There also is a long list of righteous men that sinned, including Moses, Lot, David, and Peter. The soul may be saved, but the flesh they were born with will still sin if the spirit is not allowed to control it.

    In I John 3:6, “sinneth” refers to a continuance in sin. It implies a continuing practice of transgressing God’s commandments. When people are saved, they may sin, but they do not want to. If they do, they feel miserable until they get it right. The Holy Spirit in their spiritual hearts does not want to commit iniquity.  Sometimes the flesh lets that Spirit down, but a saved person will not want to sin!
  • Another proof is that a child of God will love the new family he is adopted into; he will love his Christian brothers and sisters.
    “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.  He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” I John 3:14
  • A compassionate heart (I John 3:17-19, 23) is also evidence of one’s salvation.  The indwelling Spirit of God attempts to take our minds off of ourselves and put them on the needs and concerns of others. He gives us the desire to help others.
    “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.” I John 3:23
  • A child of God can ask the Lord for help, and he will receive it; an unsaved person does not have that opportunity.
    “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” I John 3:22
  • Those that think one can be saved and do whatever one wants most likely have never experienced the conviction of the Holy Spirit.  One that is saved will want to keep God’s commandments. It will trouble him if he does not.
    “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.  And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” I John 3:24

Salvation is not an “I think I am” or “I hope so” experience.  According to the scriptures, it is a know-so conviction in one’s heart (I John 3:19, 24, I John 5:13).
“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 5:13


The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago
Hymn by Frank Graham

There was a time, I know,
When in the book of Heaven,
An old account was standing
For sins yet unforgiven;
My name was at the top
And many things below,
I went unto the Keeper,
And settled long ago.

Refrain:
Long ago, long ago,
Yes, the old account was settled long ago;
And the record’s clear today,
For He washed my sins away,
When the old account was settled long ago.

The BIBLE VIEW #856 — Patience

In This Issue:
Patience, according to the Bible
By Patience…
Has to Be Experienced
Wait Patiently
Bulb to Flower
Can You Do Better

Volume: 856    April 25, 2022
Theme: Patience

The FREE printable versions (bulletin insert, large print, and e-mail versions) of this Bible View and many others can be found at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html.

Are you reading the Bible every day?  If not, have the FREE Daily View Devotion e-mailed to you.  Learn something taught in a KJV chapter from a short commentary, read the chapter, and more spiritual “meat” for the hungry soul. Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M to start receiving it.


Patience, According to the Bible
Bill Brinkworth

Patience is not a character trait that many strive to develop.  In this fast-paced world, more have to have it their way — now.  Any waiting involved will soon discourage or aggravate many.

People will not wait for what they think they should earn, so they leave a job rather than serve more time and be promoted.  Traffic jams frustrate many and tempers are often lost, resulting in their publically expressing their dissatisfaction.  Some will not attempt to curb their eating habits by persevering through difficult temptations, so they seek some pill or operation that will take the weight off of them immediately.  Others give up sitting on the sport’s bench, because others are playing, and they are not, so they quit.  Students do not have the fortitude to study for themselves, so they cheat on tests.  Impatience looms all around us.

Patience is spoken about much in the New Testament.  It is rarely mentioned in the Old Testament, perhaps because now, in an era that we are to live more by faith and less by sight, patience may be tested more.

Here are some Bible teachings about patience:

God is patient.
“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:” Rom. 15:5

Not all have patience.
“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Heb. 10:36

Christians are to seek and have patience.
“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” I Tim.  6:11
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” Heb. 12:1   Also: Eccl. 7:8, Tit. 2:2, I Thes. 5:14.

If people persevere in obedience to do what the Bible teaches, they will reap benefits.
“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Luke 8:15   Also: Rev. 3:10.

If Christians will not quit through difficult times, and persevere, they will be more patient, better Christians, and will be stronger.
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:3-4
“Behold, we count them happy which endure.  Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:11
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:” Rom. 5:3-4   Also: Rom. 15:4, Rom. 2:7, Rom.  12:12, Col. 1:11.

The Lord will help a Christian be more patient.
“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.“ II Thes. 3:5

Patience in a Christian is a good testimony (example) of them personally and of Christianity.
“Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.” James 5:10   Also: II Thes. 1:4, I Tim. 3:3, Heb. 12:1.

Christians need to wait patiently on the Lord’s working and timing.
“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”  II Thes. 3:5  Also: James 5:7-8.

God knows of our patience, or lack of it.
“I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:” Rev. 2:2  Also: Rev. 2:3, 19.

Christians are never to stop being patient in living by faith (Heb. 11:6).
“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;”   Also: Rom. 12:12.

Those in the ministry should have patience.
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,”  II Tim.  2:24
“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,” II Cor. 6:4  Also: I Tim. 3:3, I Tim.  6:1, James 5:10.

“The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs, one step at a time.” — Author Unknown


By Patience …
Henry Smith, 1871

  • By patience, Job heard all the torments that the devil could heap upon him.
  • By patience, Jacob put up with a thousand wrongs from Laban and his children and never complained in 21 years before he departed.
  • By patience, Joseph forgave his brethren when he might have put them to death and gave them food when they feared revenge.
  • By patience, Christ suffered banishment, reproaches, and scourges until He went to His death, like a Lamb to the slaughter.

“Patience may be bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” — Rousseau


Has to Be Experienced
H. W. Beecher

There is no such thing as preaching patience to people unless the sermon is so long that they have to practice it while they hear.  No man can learn patience except by going out into the hurly-burly world and taking life just as it blows.  Patience is gained by staying with and riding out life’s hard-blowing trials.

“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Heb. 10:36


Wait Patiently
Author Unknown

Wait, patiently wait,
God is never late;
The budding plans are in thy Father’s holding,
And only wait His Divine unfolding;
Then wait, patiently wait.


Bulb to Flower
H. W. Beecher

If my child asks me for a pretty tuberose, though I plant the bulb immediately, months elapse before he gets to see that flower.  Our prayers are not always answered immediately, not because God would tantalize us, but because the things we ask are often so large and require such a development that there will be a space of time between the asking and the getting.

“Trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.”  ― Moliere


Can You Do Better?
Author Unknown

A man’s car stalled in the heavy traffic as the light turned green.  All his efforts to start the engine failed, and a chorus of honking behind him made matters worse.  He finally got out of his car, walked back to the first driver, and said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t seem to get my car started.  If you’ll go up there and give it a try, I’ll stay here and blow your horn for you.”

The Bible View #855 — Ephesians 2:8-9

In This Issue:
Is There Something More I Can Do?
Saved Only by God’s Grace
You Cannot Work Your Way to Heaven

Volume: 855    April 18, 2022
Theme: Ephesians 2:8-9

The FREE printable versions (bulletin insert, large print, and e-mail versions) of this Bible View and many others can be found at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html.

Are you reading the Bible every day?  If not, have the FREE Daily View Devotion e-mailed to you.  Learn something taught in a KJV chapter from a short commentary, read the chapter, and more spiritual “meat” for the hungry soul. Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M to start receiving it.

I would like to have an upcoming Bible View featuring some of the greatest experiences soul-winners had when witnessing to others. If you have led someone to the Lord and remember it as one of the most memorable opportunities where God did something special in a person’s life (or yours), could you share it with me (brinkworth@frontier.com). It may encourage others to tell others how to be saved. Please keep it under 600 words and do not mention names.

Is There Something More I Can Do?
Bill Brinkworth

A rich man came to Jesus unintentionally admitting he committed the same mistake that most would not dare confess.  He confessed to having the same philosophy that sends most lost people to Hell.  The man’s misunderstanding is also where most churches and religions err.  His false belief was in his question, “… what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life” (Matthew 19:16).

This ruler (Luke 18:18) tried to work his way to Heaven by doing all he could to earn himself a place there.  He and most religions believe if you do enough good things, that good will outweigh the bad, and God will let you into Heaven.

False religions teach that obeying and following traditions, rules, catechisms, rites, sacraments, pillars of the faith, or their religion’s teachings will get them to Heaven.  Wrong!  Unbiblical!  That thinking distinguishes man-made religions from real Christianity!

True Christianity is the only “religion” that teaches one does not have to do anything to get to Heaven except believe what Jesus did for them and ask for salvation from Hell.  One does not have to “pay” for salvation by doing good works because it already has been paid for them by Jesus Christ’s sacrificial deed.

After receiving salvation, one will want to do all one can to please and obey God and His commandments out of love and gratitude.  However, those good acts have nothing to do with getting saved.

All have sinned.  All do not only commit iniquity but were born sinners.  Because of sin, no one can get higher than the coffin lid after death.  That is the bad news.

However, there is good news.  There is a person who never sinned.  His undeserved death on the cross is the sole payment God will accept to cover anyone’s sin.  It is Jesus alone, God’s only son, that was worthy enough to pay for our transgressions.
“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

Trying to do good “works” to earn Heaven is not accepting Christ’s finished work on the cross.  That rejection shows disbelief that Christ’s sacrificial payment was not enough to cover a person’s iniquities

Like the rich ruler, doing good deeds and living the way one thinks is right is not enough to earn eternity in Heaven.  That man had done “right” his whole life, yet he was still looking for one more thing to do to guarantee eternal life.

Good deeds never satisfy God because they are not enough.  Trusting that one loves us so much that He gave his life so that we can live eternally is the only way God will accept.

Are you 100% certain that you would go to Heaven if you were to die today, tomorrow, or a hundred years from now?  You can be sure because the “ticket” has been paid for.  All you must do is believe and accept God’s wonderful gift!
“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”  II Timothy 1:9
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Saved Only by God’s Grace
Bill Brinkworth

In Ephesians 2, Paul addressed converted Gentiles (Ephesians 1:1) and reminded them how they became Christians.  This crucial action has eluded many religions, even some “Christian” denominations.

The distinctions that separate lost, even religious, people from the saved are:

  • A saved person is saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 1:8) because Jesus died on the cross and paid for their sins.

    Grace is “free, unmerited love” from God.  A person is saved not because one is good-looking, of superior intelligence, or a good person.  All are saved because God is good, He loves us, and it has nothing to do with whom we are or what we have done.
  • If we make the first step to believe Jesus died for our sins, God’s love will do the rest.  We must go first, not wait to have proof, but do as a child does when doing what his parents tell him to do.  The child believes and obeys. We must do the same and trust what God has told us.
    “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Ephesians 2:8
  • We are saved because of what Jesus did for us on the cross.  There is nothing we can do to earn God’s approval and allow us to go to Heaven other than trusting Christ as Saviour.  No amount of good works, kindness, or religious mumbo-jumbo will get us higher than the coffin lid.  We cannot earn our way because Jesus has already paid our “ticket” to Heaven.  Trying to earn salvation is negating the trust by faith we must have.
    “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:9
  • However, doing deeds according to what Scripture commands, doing what we can do for the cause of Christ, or bringing honor to God after we are saved is the right thing to do for Him (Ephesians 1:10).  A born-again person should want to serve the Lord, not just sit and soak up God’s goodness.

Many nod their head in agreement with Ephesians 2:8-9 but do not connect what it says to what they may do or believe.  The two verses’ whole point is there is nothing we can do to earn an eternity in Heaven.

We must trust what God has already done for us.  However, even biblical doctrines have been turned into good works people hope will make them worthy of Heaven.  Countless people and religious leaders have justified their salvation because “I have been baptized,” “I tithe,” “I help the poor,” “I live a good life,” or “I obey the rules of my church.” They are good works that will please God after one is saved, not good works to get one saved.  Those deeds become conditions added to what God said to do in Ephesians 2:8-9.

It is only faith that will get one God’s promise of Heaven.  One cannot add anything to it.

“But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
Titus 3:4-5


You Cannot Work Your Way to Heaven
Bill Brinkworth

It seems natural to many people that if they do good deeds, God will be pleased and let them into Heaven.  Although there are many scriptures encouraging people to be less selfish and concentrate on meeting the needs of others, nowhere is it mentioned that those good acts will get anyone to Heaven.  The Bible declares that there is nothing we can do but trust Christ as Saviour to have a heavenly home.
“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

God’s way for us to see Heaven is that innocent blood had to be shed to have our sins forgiven.  The only payment God will accept for all of a sinner’s transgressions is the sacrificial death of God’s only son, Jesus.   No one can achieve Heaven for what they have done, but because of what Christ did for them.  Jesus is the only way to Heaven.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

Although good works will get no one to Heaven, a Christian is to do good deeds.  He is to do them, not to earn Heaven, but to be a good Christian example.  We should be a blessing to others because we love the Saviour and want to be obedient to His commandments.  When we shine our Christian “light,” others may see God’s goodness and will also turn to Him.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Mat.  5:16
“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.  These things are good and profitable unto men.” Titus 3:8 Also: Heb. 10:24, I Tim 2:10, I Tim.  5:10, I Tim.  6:18, II Tim. 3:17, Titus 1:16.

“I am not a Christian because I am strong and have it all figured out.  I am a Christian because I am weak and admit I need a Saviour.” — Author Unknown