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The BIBLE VIEW #995 — Hell

In This Issue:
“Uh-oh”
What the Bible Says about Hell
Hell

Volume: 995    February 24, 2025
Theme: Hell

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


Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at:
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/



“Uh-oh”
Bill Brinkworth

“Consciousness came and went in short spurts.  For a brief second, bright surgical lights came into sight, and then sleep over came me. 

“Again, for a glimpse, I saw doctors and nurses scurrying about me.  Some were adjusting electrodes on my chest.  Another nurse was quickly putting a needle into my arm, then sleep cameupon me.  I do not know how long it was, but I was vaguely aware of my mother talking to me.  She was crying.  There was urgency in her sobbing voice. 

“Again, doctors were shouting orders to those nearby.  The beeping of a monitor increased.  Some were running for more equipment, and then silence.

“Darkness surrounded me, but I was quite conscious.  No longer were there bright lights; no doctors’ voices; no mother’s sobs.  It wasn’t like the previous in’s and out’s of consciousness.  I was aware with all my senses.  There was a sense of my moving, but not one of my body parts was at all involved.  It was as if I were drifting somewhere.  I could feel it getting warmer and warmer, and it wasn’t long until the heat was unbearable.  Where was I?  What was happening to me?  I knew my eyes were wide open, but all around me was darkness.  Was this, was this, was this Hell?  Oh no, that must be where I was.  I’ve died!  Fear like I never experienced before forced screams out of my mouth.  Hell!  Oh, no.  What have I done?

“Then, through all the fear, the intense heat, and now an increasing pain in what seemed every pore of my body, I remembered some things from my past.  I remembered Mrs. Corner’s Sunday school lesson and the parts of the verses she read about Hell.  I remembered my snide remarks mocking what she said.

“Distant shrieks in the tormenting darkness told me I was not alone in my imprisonment.

“Memories continued to flood my mind.  I recalled the times my friend Gary and I mocked Hell and proudly boasted that we would be together in Hell and would have a party together.  This was no party.  Perhaps one of the screams in the distance was his, but we certainly were not together.

“A horrible series of blood-curdling shouts told another was not able to bear the torture they were experiencing, but there was no way out.  There was no escape for anyone!  Another cry hollered, ‘Not forever.’  All hope was gone from that voice.  His ‘Oh-nooooo’ seemed to be a whisper as he realized the hopelessness of his situation.

“A brief memory of my brother’s coming back from church one day reminded me how I reacted when he told me he had just gotten saved and had God’s promise of going to Heaven when he died.  I thought I was so smart when I retorted, ‘No one can know for sure that they’re going to Heaven.  How can you believe that Bible?  It’s just an ol’ book that some men wrote.’

“I was so wrong.  If I had only listened to him!  If I only had taken him up on his invitations to go to church, I may have gotten what he had.  I may not have been in the place I am now.  How wrong I was.  How foolish my opinions were.  If my memory of what I heard in church serves me well, it is going to get worse; a judgment before God; the Lake of Fire — forever.  Uh-oh, what have I done?”

This story, of course, is a fictitious account of what may be happening to billions of unsaved souls right this very second.  It is based on many Scriptures and may be very close to reality.  If you have never trusted Christ as your payment for your sin, it may very well describe what you may experience one day.  Do not be foolish.  While God has allowed you the opportunity, decide to be saved from Hell today before it is eternally too late!
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

“Everyone who finds himself in Heaven will have to thank God for it, and everyone who finds himself in Hell will have to thank himself.”   — C. H. MacKinosh

What the Bible Says about Hell
Bill Brinkworth

One of the most feared doctrines of the Bible is about the place called “Hell.”  Many go to great lengths to belittle and scoff at it.  Many deny it.  However, it is mentioned 54 times in the Bible and referred to in many other places.

Perhaps, if they convince themselves and others that Hell does not exist, the scoffers think they will alleviate the guilt of their sins and will cover up the fear they have of spending eternity there.  One’s personal opinion does not negate facts.  There is a place called Hell.  Here are some facts about Hell according to the King James Bible:

  • Hell is down:
    Luke 16:23 “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”  Also: Ez. 31:16,17, Ez. 32:21, Is. 14:9, 15.
  • Hell is for the wicked:
    Psalms 9:17 “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Also: Mat. 5:22, 23:33.  All are wicked, but Hell will be the destination for those who did not allow Christ’s payment for sin to cover their iniquities.
  • Hell is a place of sorrows:
    Psalm 18:5 “The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.” Also: Psalm 116:3.
  • Hell is a place of pain:
    Luke 16:24-25 “And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. … thou art tormented.” Also: Luke 16:28.
    Mark 9:44 “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” Also: Mark 9:46, 48, Isaiah. 66:24.
  • Hell is a place where the dead without Christ go:
    Proverbs 9:18 “But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.” — Life is not over when our flesh stops breathing in this world.
  • Hell has levels:
    Deuteronomy 32:22 “For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.” Also: Psalm 86:13.
  • Hell is growing:
    Proverb 27:20 “Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.” Also: Isaiah 5:14.
  • Hell was different before Christ died on the cross and rose again:
    Luke 16:26 “And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.” — Hell was down and was divided into two parts.  Abraham’s bosom was where the godly went.  There was no tormenting there. The lower terrible region is where the ungodly went.  It was separated by a “great gulf” no one could cross.
  • Jesus went to Hell (It was “Abraham’s bosom” and, again, it was not a place of torment!):
    Acts 2:31 “He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.”
  • Jesus led the godly out of “Hell” when He died:
    Ephesians 4:8 “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” Also: Psalm 68:18.  Rev. 1:18.  — Before Christ ascended back to Heaven, he led the godly Old Testament saints out of the upper region of Hell (Abraham’s Bosom).
  • Hell is not for those who trust Christ as their Saviour.
    John 3:3 “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.”
  • Hell is a temporary place, and then things get worse:
    Rev. 20:13 “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.” — All those that are in Hell, will be released, judged, and put in eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire.  Also: Rev. 20:14.

Hell certainly is a horrible place.  No one should want to go there.  The only way to avoid an eternity in that horrible place is to be saved!
John 3:16 “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.  17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

** This is a condensed  version of a study of Hell.  A more complete version can be found at: http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/lessons/hell.html.

“Don’t let scoffers laugh you into Hell; they cannot laugh you out of it.”
— D. L. Moody


Hell
John Milton

A dungeon horrible, on all sides round,
As one great furnace, flam’d, yet from those flames
No light, but rather darkness visible
Serv’d only to discover sights of woe,
Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace
And rest can never dwell, hope never,
That comes to all; but torture without end
Still urges, and a fiery deluge fed
With burning sulphur unconsum’d.
Such place eternal justice had prepared
For those rebellious; here their prison ordained
In utter dakness, and their portion set
As far remov’d from God and light of Heaven
As from the center thrice to th’ utmost pole.

“When some editors have proofread my work, they often made notes that ‘Hell’ and ‘Heaven,’ should not be capitalized because the Bible does not capitalize them.  The rules of capitalization have changed since the KJV Bible was finalized. Heaven and Hell ARE real places and I will continue to capitalize the proper nouns!  — B. Brinkworth

The BIBLE VIEW #994 — God’s Provision

In This Issue:
Just Enough
Little Is Much When God Is in It
God Provided 
Matthew 6:25-34
God’s Ravens

Volume: 994    February 17, 2025
Theme: God’s Provision

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

Just Enough
Bill Brinkworth

After two months of being led out of bondage in Egypt, the people of Israel complained (Exodus 16:2) about not having the food they liked.  They ignored the fact of being mistreated in slavery, God had delivered them from their bondage, and they daily saw God’s leadership and provision as they traveled through the wilderness.  God heard their complaints but still met their needs.

God rained “bread” from Heaven every morning for the people.  The sweet, small bread was also called “the corn of Heaven” and angel’s food (Psalms 78:24-25).  

Six days a week, the manna rained down.  There was just enough for every man, woman, and child to eat.  Each family gathered what they could eat, about one omer (3.6 liters).  After the sun burned hot, there was no manna left.  The manna melted.  They had just enough for that day!

If the people did not trust that God would provide the “bread” the next day and tried to hoard it, it would stink and turn to worms.  They had no choice but to trust God would provide their daily needs.  To compound God’s miracle of provision, on the day before the Sabbath, when they were not to work, God rained down a two-day supply of manna.  The bread gathered that day would last two days.  God gave them just enough food every day for 40 years until they ate corn in the land (Joshua 5:12) that God had led them to.

Throughout the Bible there are examples of God’s meeting the needs of His own.  Jacob had a son, Joseph, in the right position to provide his family with food during a drought.  God provided just enough food to meet all of Israel’s needs when they were in the wilderness.  The widow’s miraculously refilling barrel of meal and the cruse of oil were just enough to meet Elijah’s and the widow’s needs.  Jesus told the disciples to reach the world with the Gospel and not carry anything extra.  In all cases, God provided just enough.  They were not to have extra because they were to trust God and see what He would do for them daily.

Man’s distrusting nature relies too often on his provision.  There needs to be a correct balance between saving for a “rainy day” and amassing as much as possible because he thinks only he can provide.  We are to be wise and good stewards of what we have, but not dependent only on what we do.  It is often forgotten that God wants us to trust him for everything, including our daily needs. 

Most people have long forgotten, or never given any thought or trust, that God is the one that ultimately provides all we have.  It is not the government’s food stamps or its welfare that we should rely on.  It is not our big barns of storage, as the “fool” in Luke 12:16-21 trusted in.  It would not take much for a government to collapse, especially these days, or “barns” of investments or savings accounts to fail, and then where would those people who were relying on themselves be?

My wife and I have learned long ago that God will meet our daily needs.  We saved what we could, sometimes only ten dollars a week, and have been frugal with our purchases, but still tithed (gave to the Lord through the local church). 

We soon learned that God honored His promises and did provide our “daily bread” (Mat. 6:11).  We have always had enough to pay our bills.

When we desperately needed housing, God gave us just enough money from an insurance claim to fix up an old house.  When our house desperately needed paint, the paint I found was just enough to cover the job and just “happened” to be the right color.

Without planning, I purchased seeds for the garden, which were just enough to cover the available space.  Repair jobs around the house are often met by having just enough materials lying around the house.

Food prepared is just enough to meet the needs of all the unexpected guests who drop in for dinner.  The clothes given to us just happened to fit exactly our sizes.

On and on, I could go of 40+ years of God’s precise provision.  Sometimes, we had a little extra, only to find, in a couple of days, that it would be just enough to replace a damaged tire or meet the needs of another emergency.  After thousands of examples of just having enough, we quickly learned it was not a coincidence but God’s provision. 

If we had had a surplus, we may not have been reliant and appreciative of God’s provision.  If we had had everything we wanted, we may have been like the wealthy man I once visited.  After I told him the Bible’s plan of salvation, he looked me in the face and said, “Look around.  Do you see all I have?”  He did have a large mansion, cars, and other splendid things.  “Does it look like I need God?”  He needed to know that God had provided, not himself.  Without God’s help, he may not have the health or the intellect to earn that money.  People like that who have such self-trust often have to, and do, lose all they have to find out Who really is in control.

Today’s world has become more dependent on their own devices or government aid, including Christians!  Unfortunately, those provisions frequently let those who trust them down.  The ways of man are not trustworthy nor always reliable.  God, however, will never let his own down that trust in Him.  Rely on God to provide.  He may give you just enough, but it will be He that you will reliably trust on.  You will then see what the mighty hand of God will do in your life.
“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Mat.  21:22
“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

“When you’re down to nothing, God may be up to something.”

 

Little Is Much When God Is in It
Hymn by Kittie J. Suffield

 In the harvest field now ripened,
There’s a work for all to do.
Hark, the voice of God is calling,
To the harvest calling you.
CHORUS:
Little is much when God is in it.
Labor not for wealth or fame.
There’s a crown and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus’ name.

 Does the place you’re called to labor
Seem so small and little known?
It is great if God is in it,
And He’ll not forget His own.
CHORUS:

When the conflict here is ended
And our race on Earth is run,
He will say, if we are faithful,
“Welcome home, my child, well done.”
CHORUS:

“God strengthens shoulders to bear the burden.”

God Provided
Dr. J. Campbell

  • Abraham’s knife lifted up to kill his son; an angel appeared.
  • Lot was near destruction; angels intervened.
  • Hagar and her son were dying; an angel showed them water.
  • Moses was trapped from escaping his enemy by the sea: God parted the waters.
  • Rabshakeh insulted God; his army was destroyed in twelve hours.
  • Haman formed a plot to kill Jews; the king could not sleep and read what Mordecai had done for him.  Because of his discovery, Mordecai and, eventually, the Jewish people were spared.
  • Peter was in jail; angels released him.



Matthew 6:25-34

“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.  Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.  Are ye not much better than they? 27  Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment?  Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat?  or, What shall we drink?  or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 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.”

“Worry is irreverent — God will provide!”

God’s Ravens
F. B. Meyer

Having read the story of how God fed Elijah by the ravens with his mother, a little boy sat on a wintry night in a fireless room beside a bare table.  With a simple, child-like trust, he asked his widowed mother if he might set the door open for God’s ravens to come in.

“I feel sure they must be on their way,” he said.  The trustful mother granted the request.

The mayor of the German town, passing by, was curious by the sight of the open door and entered, inquiring why it was open.  When he learned the reason, he said, “I will be God’s raven!”  He met their needs then and long afterward.

“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.  Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.  Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalms 37:3-5

“What God ordains, He sustains!” — Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #993 —Marriage

In This Issue:
A Biblical Marriage
The Differences Between Men and Women
The Marriage Institution
Marriage Is Not A Mission Field

Volume: 993    February 10, 2025
Theme: Marriage

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

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say



A Biblical Marriage
Bill Brinkworth

Ephesians 5 discusses a subject that bristles the hair on the back of many necks.  It takes a position that has been hated and rebelled against for generations.  Unfortunately, the refusal to follow God’s commandments in this area has resulted in a current divorce rate higher than 50%.  

In Ephesians 5:21-33, Paul discusses submissiveness between a married man and a woman.  According to Noah Webster, “submitting” is yielding or surrendering to an authority.

The first surrendering to authority discussed here is for both husband and wife to surrender to each other (vs. 21) because they respect God’s commandments!  They are to submit to each other because God tells them to, and they should know God’s way works.  God ordained the union between man and woman, so He certainly knows how it will work.  No other way will be successful!

A wife must also submit to her husband (vs. 22).  When she humbles herself to do so, she is doing it “unto the Lord”.  What a step of faith it takes to be a wife and trust the Lord that way.  I’m sure most women shudder at this point, thinking about all kinds of situations: “What happens if I submit to him, and my husband mistreats me?”; “What happens if I let him be the authority and decision-maker, and he makes wrong decisions?”; “What happens if he doesn’t make any decisions?”; “What happens if I don’t get my say?”, and countless other scenarios.

If the husband does not hold up his commitments, those situations could come true.  That is why it is so important that a marriage be between believers (II Cor. 6:14).  However, there are no retractions for bad decisions in marriage partners in God’s Word.  No matter the spiritual status, one is still committed to upholding his part of the marriage as the Lord commands.

There are many marriage failures because couples do not adhere to God’s way but try to cohabit the way “everyone else is doing it”.  When a marriage fails, it is usually because someone is not holding up their end of God’s commandments for that person.

Submission in a marriage is not just between the wife and her husband.  The husband also has a part in making a marriage work.  His part is not just surrendering to his wife, but he is to love his wife as Christ loves His church (vs. 25) and as much as he loves his own body (vs. 28, 33).  One should not want to do wrong to one’s body; he must only want to do what is right and best for his wife.

As a husband and wife submit themselves to Christ, they should also submit themselves to each other.  God’s way works.

“If a child of God marries a child of the devil, the child of God will surely have trouble with his father-in-law.” — Author Unknown


The Differences between Men and Women
Author Unknown

In the current world, many are trying to make both sexes the same and even confuse their roles.  God has created men and women and has made them different, with strengths and weaknesses.  

When married, God can use a man’s strengths to complement a woman’s weaknesses and take the strengths of a wife to make up for the husband’s shortcomings.  The two different halves can produce a stronger whole.

This article from an unknown author (before 1871) points out some of the differences between men and women and shows the strengths they can bring to a marriage:

  • Man is strong; woman is beautiful.
  • Man is daring and confident; woman is diffident (“showing modest reserve”) and unassuming.
  • Man is great in action; woman is long-suffering.
  • Man shines abroad; woman excels at home.
  • Man talks to convince; woman to persuade.
  • Man has a rugged heart; woman, a soft and tender one.
  • Man prevents misery; woman relieves it.
  • Man has science; woman taste.
  • Man has judgment; woman sensibility.
  • Man is a being of justice; woman has mercy.

Each possesses peculiar gifts and a wide sphere of usefulness, and, by the wise use of these respective gifts, society is benefited, a marriage is strengthened, and God is honored.

“As a husband and wife grow closer to God, they also grow closer to each other!”


The Marriage Institution
Excerpts from Bible Reading for the Home, 1943

  • After creating man, what did God say?
    “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” Gen. 2:18
  • What did God say He would make?
    A help meet for him (Gen. 2:18).
  • Could such a help be found among the creatures God had already made?  No.
    “… but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.” Gen. 2:20
  • What did God do to remedy Adam’s need?  God made Adam a mate.
    “… And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.” Gen. 2:21-22
  • What did Adam say as he received his wife from God?
    “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Gen. 2:23
  • What great truth was then stated?
    “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Gen. 2:24
  • What did Jesus say about marriage?
    “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.  What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Mat.  19:6

“Marriages may be made in Heaven, but man is responsible for the maintenance work.” — Changing Times

Marriage Is Not a Mission Field
Author Unknown

Mark Twain, the well-known American humorist, fell in love with Miss Olivia Langdon.  “Livy,” as he called her, grew up in a Christian home and held firm religious convictions.  Mark Twain made no profession of faith, although he appeared to have been touched by Livy’s life.

Mark Twain and Olivia Langdon were married.  Early in their marriage, Mark regularly asked for a blessing at mealtime and joined in family worship, but this did not last.

One day, Twain announced, “Livy, I don’t believe in the Bible.”  Bit by bit, Mark Twain’s lack of faith worked like a cancer destroying his wife’s spiritual life.

Later, during a period of pressing sorrow, he tried to strengthen Livy by saying, “Livy, if it comforts you to lean on the Christian faith, do so.”

His wife sadly replied, “Mark, I can’t.  I haven’t it anymore!”

Marriage is not a mission field.  God never called one into marriage to convert one’s partner. 

Marriage strains under the burden of an unshared faith.  Not only will you harm the person with whom you join your life, but you will harm yourself if your partner is not a Christian.  Too much is at stake to ignore God’s commandment.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?  and what communion hath light with darkness?” II Cor. 6:14

“If you never date an unsaved person, you will never marry one!”

The BIBLE VIEW #992 — Lying

In This Issue:
Lying Lips
Real Christians With A Trustworthy Testimony
The Boss Is Never Out!
You Can’t Fool God

Volume: 992    February 3, 2025
Theme: Lying

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


Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say

Lying Lips
Bill Brinkworth

From a young age, most know it is wrong to lie. Perhaps it is an innate guilt or a learned ”no-no”  from reprimands from parents, friends, or teachers. 

The unacceptance of untruths is universally frowned upon, and the bearer of falsehoods is often mistrusted and avoided. One should learn quickly that dishonesty is not an accepted behavior.

 A lie exposed has cost many future suspicions from friends, fellow workers, and casual and long-time acquaintances. Because of discovered untruths, relationships have been shattered, jobs have been lost, and even jail time has been the penalty for many who lied. 

Lying lips have cost many much more than ever realized.   God also does not tolerate falsehoods and demands people, especially Christians, be true to their word.

God’s Word, the Bible, has much to say and warn about untruths:

God and His Son, Jesus, are honest. Since believers should be like their Saviour, Christ-like, we should also be truthful.
“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:” Hebrews 6:18
“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; “ Titus 1:2

God hates untruths!
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” Proverbs 12:22

God commands us not to lie!
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Exodus 20:16
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” I John 3:18

Lies are often told because of pride.
“For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.” Psalm 59:12
“The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.” Psalm 119:69

Liars twist and change God’s truths to enable them to do what they desire rather than what God commands.
“Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” Romans 1:25 

Although usually our weak flesh succumbs to dishonesty, often people may be encouraged to lie by Satan’s influence. Since an unsaved person does not typically heed God’s commandments it may be easier to follow the leading of God’s and humanity’s enemy.“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44 

God knows who is honest.
“The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.” II Corinthians 11:31

A good witness of a situation should tell the truth of what was seen, heard, or experienced.
“A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.” Proverb 14:5 Also: Exodus 23:1.
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Exodus 20:16 “A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.” Proverbs 19:5
“A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.” Proverbs 21:28 

ALWAYS be honest.
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:9
“Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.” Psalm 31:18 
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;” Ephesians 4:22-23
“Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.” Psalm 120:2

We can lie about anything, including about being right with God.
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” I John 1:6
“I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.”  I John 2:21
“Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” Revelation  3:9

Because of the rejection of God’s will and way, our world has become one of dishonesty, distrust, misdirection, and deceit. It is a tolerated sin among politicians, police, and most people. It should not be.

Dishonesty separates many and breeds mistrust. This must stop for a society to be healed and get along with each other. Start today, especially if you are a born-again child of God. Always tell the truth!

“Your words are the most valuable possessions you have. Do they have
 great value from those who know you, or are they remembered as possibly a distortion, deception, or a lie?” 

Real Christians With A Trustworthy Testimony
Sunday School Times

In her book, Floods on Dry Ground, Eva Stuart Watt described missionary work in the Belgian Congo, and said, “Even among the enemies of the Gospel there was growing secret admiration for those whose lives were out and out for God.

The term “Bakrustu ya kweli,” was often heard from heathen lips. It means “real Christians.”  Far and wide the believers were known as men of truth and men whose prayers were answered. 

One day the paramount chief had a big court case in which a Christian was charged with hiding a Mabuda prisoner. At the tribunal, the chief said to the accused, “Tell me, did you hide that man?”

“No, Chief. I didn’t.”

Then turning to his soldiers, he said, “You liars, the lot of you. This man is a ‘Bakrustu ya kweli!’  He couldn’t tell a lie!”

“A liar is not believed even when he tells the truth.” — Cicero

The Boss Is Never Out
Sunday School Times

A storekeeper went away for the day and left a clerk in charge. A customer came in and asked a favor of the clerk, which meant he would have to do something dishonest.

“You can do it, if you want,” argued the customer, “because your boss is out.”

The clerk looked the man in the face, and said, “You are mistaken. My Boss is Jesus Christ, and He is never out!”

“Aye, sir: to be honest as this world goes is to be one man picked out of a thousand.”— Shakespeare

 

You Can’t Fool God
Granville Kleiser

You can fool the hapless public,
You can be a subtle fraud,
You can hide your little meanness,
But you can’t fool God!

You can advertise your virtues,
You can self-achievement laud,
You can load yourself with riches,
But you can’t fool God!

You can criticize the Bible,
You can be a selfish clod,
You can lie, swear, drink, and gamble
But you can’t fool God!

You can magnify your talent,
You can hear the world applaud,
You can boast yourself somebody,
But you can’t fool God!

“Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived.” — Thomas Paine

The BIBLE VIEW #991 — Backsliding

In This Issue:
Neither Cold nor Hot
Definition of “Backsliding”
Reflections of a Backslider
Causes of Backsliding
Signs of Backsliding
Consequences of Backsliding
Remorse of Sin

Volume: 991    January 27, 2025
Theme: Backsliding

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


Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say



Neither Cold nor Hot
Bill Brinkworth

In Revelation 1 to 3, seven churches are mentioned.  They were not only churches that existed when John penned Revelation, but they were also prophetic of major characteristics of church ages, in general, throughout history.  

Many believe that six of the prophesied church ages have already passed.  However, many churches in the current church age are very similar to the church of Laodicea.

The church of Laodicea was the seventh church of which John wrote.  This was a “lukewarm”, complacent, and ineffective ministry (Rev. 3:16).  They had riches and many things the world had to offer.  Still, they were doing very little for the Lord. God saw them as “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17).  Their failure to do anything for the Lord disgusted the Father (Rev. 3:16).

Unfortunately, the Laodicean church pictures the church age we are currently in.  Like all church ages, not all churches were or are the same.  There has always been a remnant doing God’s will and way, but the majority of current churches are much like the church of Laodicea.  

Today, there is more concern for the social interests of man than the spiritual.  Clubs, committees, eloquent speakers, church entertainment, paid musicians, church appearances, and not offending anyone have a higher priority than the needs of people’s souls.  Preaching “Thus saith the Lord” is rarely heard anymore, and if it were, there would be many offended and some would desert the church.  

Physical wealth does not cover up the fact that the majority of churches are not heeding the tugging of the Holy Spirit and, in God’s eyes, are “… poor, and blind, and naked.” The money these churches have may not be the “blessing of God” they proclaim it to be, but a curse voiding their usefulness to the cause of Christ.

Part of a Christian’s responsibility is to live the way God commands and to tell others what God’s Word says.  Watering down the message to “fit in” or “not to offend” undermines its purpose. 

The Word of God is supposed to offend and convict the sinner.  That conviction often stops the sinner from a downward slide and turns him around with a repentant heart.  

Where psychology, psychiatry, counseling, and drugs often fail and mask the real problem, the Word of God often exposes the root of a problem.  If allowed, the truths from the Bible will change one’s life. 

Drunkards have been converted, their addiction halted, and their lives restored.  Adulterers have been enabled to stop their iniquity, and they and their families have been reunited.  Murderers have also been saved, and their lives changed.  God’s Word has changed the lives of liars, cheaters, gossipers, unbelievers, and countless more.  

There is not one sin that God cannot help one stop, nor one life that God cannot change.  Why would anyone want to hide God’s message or water it down after it has done so much to countless lives?

No matter the climate of the majority of lukewarm, worldly churches, until the Lord comes there is still time for personal repentance and a return to God’s ways of righteousness.  The door of opportunity for personal revival is still open at this time!

There is no reason an individual or even a local church cannot have a spiritual revival, nor is there a reason to be lukewarm and displeasing to the Lord.  We can be as full of zeal and excitement as the church of Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-12) and others who purposed to obey and follow the Lord’s commandments.  Do not be cold, indifferent, and useless to the cause of Christ.  Be on fire and effective!

“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I [God] will spue thee out of my mouth.”  Revelation 3:15-16

Definition of “Backsliding”
Noah Webster, 1828

Backsliding: The act of apostatizing [to forsake principles or faith which one has professed] from faith or practice.

“If you are not as close to God or as “spiritual” as you once were, you are most likely backslidden.”

Reflections of a Backslider
J. Newton

Sweet was the time when first I felt
The Saviour’s pardoning blood
Applied to cleanse my soul from guilt,
And bring me home to God.

Soon as the morn, the light revealed,
His praises tuned my tongue;
And when the evening shades prevailed,
His love was all my song.

In prayer, my soul drew near the Lord,
And saw His glory shine;
And when I read His holy Word,
I called each promise mine.

But now, when evening shade prevails,
My soul in darkness mourns;
And when the morn the light reveals,
No light to me returns.

“Sin enough, and you will become dead and unbothered by it!”



Causes of Backsliding
W. M. Punshon

  • Was it the spirit of slothfulness that seized you?  Did you shrink from the effort of continued resistance to evil and of prayerful watchfulness against your insidious sin?
  • Was it self-complacency that took possession of your heart?
  • Was it anger that seized and shook you in its petulant grasp because you were not “appreciated” by your friends?
  • Was it because you envied pre-eminence that was denied you?
  • Was it the spirit of indifference that exhausted your recent energy?
  • Was it your rebellion against the godly advice you were given?
  • Were your convictions superficial things that only touched the surface of your nature but did not come from your heart?

From these and similar causes, many have rested in their ease or retreated until they have lost their joy and usefulness for God’s work and cause.

“Sin will always take you lower than you have ever expected to go and will cost you far more than you would ever have thought you would pay.”

Signs of Backsliding
C. Buck

  • Indifference to prayer and self-examination of one’s spiritual condition
  • Trifling or unprofitable conversation
  • Shunning the people of God
  • Associating with the world
  • Taking the commission of sin lightly
  • Neglecting one’s Bible-reading
  • Immorality

Consequences of Backsliding
C. Buck

  • Loss of character
  • Loss of comfort
  • Lose of usefulness
  • And as long as any remain in a backslidden state, a loss of well-grounded hope of future happiness.

“When God pardons, He consigns the offense to eternal forgetfulness.”



Remorse of Sin
John Bate

It is said that on the wall of one of the Egyptian pyramids is written, “The impious shall commit iniquity without recompense, but not without remorse.”  Does not this ancient inscription of heathenism receive its corroboration from the scriptures and the experience of every sinner in the present day?

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

The BIBLE VIEW #990 — Love in Action

In This Issue:
A Father’s Love
Love Was the Difference
Real Love Too Busy to Love
A Father’s Heart
Jesus Cares  He Lets God Care

Volume: 990    January 20, 2025
Theme: Love in Action

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

Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/

A Father’s Love
C. H. Spurgeon

In the French Revolution, there was a young man condemned to the guillotine and shut up in one of the prisons.  He was greatly loved by many, but there was one who loved him more than all put together.  It was his father.

The love the father had for his son was proved when the lists were called.  The father, whose name was the same as his son’s, answered to his boy’s name.   He then rode in the gloomy prison cart to the place of execution.  The father’s head rolled beneath the axe instead of his son’s. A mighty love was seen as the father died in the place of his son.

See here an example of the love of Christ forsinners.  Jesus died for the ungodly.  If they had not been ungodly, neither they nor He had needed to have died.  If they had not sinned, there would have been no need for a suffering Savior, but Jesus proved his boundless love: “… In that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8b)  

Your name was on the condemned list, my fellow sinner.  However, if you trust on Jesus’ work on the cross for your sins, you shall find that your name is there no longer.  Christ’s name is put in your stead, and you shall learn that He suffered for you; the just for the unjust, that he might bring you to God.  

Is not that the greatest wonder of divine love, that it should be set upon us as sinners?  I can understand God’s loving reformed and repenting sinners, but here is the glory of it, “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.”  (Romans 5:8) 

Love Was the Difference
D. L. Moody

Years ago, a little boy in our city attended one of our Sunday schools.  His father moved to another part of the city about five miles away.  Every Sunday that boy came past thirty or forty Sunday schools to the one he attended.

One Sunday, a lady, who was out collecting students for a Sunday school class, met him and asked why he went so far past so many schools.  “There are plenty of others,” said she, “just as good.”

He said, “They may be as good, but they are not so good for me.”

“Why not?” she asked.  “Because they love this fellow,” he answered, pointing to himself.  

Ah!  Love won him, “Because they love a fellow over there!”  How easy it is to reach people through love!  By loving them, Sunday school teachers and others could win more to the Lord.  That is how Christ has won most of us!

“A few words of love can make a world of difference.” — Author Unknown



Real Love

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.  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 13:4-8

“Selfishness seeks to use God.  True love for Him seeks to please Him.”
—Author Unknown

Too Busy to Love
G. Campbell Morgan

A father and his young daughter were great friends and spent much time in each other’s company.  One time, the father noted a change in his daughter.  If he went for a walk, she excused herself from going.  He was grieved about it but could not understand. 

When his birthday came, she presented him with a pair of exquisitely made slippers, saying, “I have made them for you.”

Then, he understood what had been the matter for the past months.  He said to her, “My darling, I like these slippers very much, but next time buy the slippers and let me have you all the days.  I would rather have my child than anything you can make for me.”

Some of us are so busy for the Lord and doing other things that He cannot get much of us.  To us, He would say, “I know your works, your labor, your patience, but I miss our time together.”

“Service is love in overalls!” — Author Unknown

A Father’s Heart
C. H. Spurgeon

When King Henry II was provoked to take up arms against his ungrateful and rebellious son, he besieged his child in a French town.  Being near death after being wounded, the son desired to see his father and confess his wrongdoing, but the stern old sire refused to look the rebel in the face.

The young man, being sorely troubled in his conscience, said to those about him, “I am dying. Take me from my bed, and let me lie in sackcloth and ashes, in token of my sorrow for my ingratitude to my father.”  Thus, he did and then died.

When the tidings came to the old man outside the walls that his boy had died in ashes, repentant for his rebellion, the father threw himself upon the earth and said, “Would God I had died for him.” The thought of his boy’s broken heart touched the father.  

If ye, being evil, are overcome by your children’s tears, how much more shall your Father who is in Heaven find your bemoanings and confessions an argument for the display of His pardoning love through Christ Jesus our Lord?

Jesus Cares
Author Unknown

When you’ve met some disappointment,
And you’re tempted to feel blue,
When your plans have all been side-tracked,
Or some friend has proved untrue;
When you’re toiling and you’re struggling
At the bottom of the stairs,
It will seem a bit like Heaven,
Just to know that Jesus cares!

Oh, this life is not all sunshine,
Some days darkest clouds disclose
There’s a cross for every joy-bell,
And a thorn for every rose,
But the cross is not so grievous,
Nor the thorn the rosebud wears,
And the clouds have silver linings
When we know that Jesus cares!



He Let God Care
Walter Knight

Once, when Martin Luther felt very despondent, he heard a bird singing its evening song.  Then he saw it tuck its head under its wing and go to sleep.  He remarked, “This little bird has had its supper and now is getting ready to go to sleep, quite content, never troubling itself as to what its food will be or where it will lodge on the morrow.  Like David, it abides under the shadow of the Almighty.  It sits on its little twig content and lets God care.”

The BIBLE VIEW #989— Assorted

In This Issue:
Believe His Truths
He Speaks the Truth
The Devil’s Tactics
Separate

Volume: 989    January 13, 2025
Theme: Assorted

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


Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say

Believe His Truths
D. L. Moody

Suppose I was dying from consumption that I inherited from my father or mother.  I did not get it by any fault of my own or by any neglect of my health.  I inherited it.

I went to my physician and other medical specialists, and they all gave me the same prognosis.  They say I am incurable and that I will die.  They also told me I had only thirty days to live.

A friend happens to come along and looks at me and says: “Moody, you have got the consumption.”

“I know it very well.  I don’t need anyone to tell me that.”

“But,” he says, “There is a remedy.  A remedy, I tell you.  Let me have your attention.”

“But, sir, I don’t believe it.  I have tried the leading physicians in this country and Europe, and they tell me there is no hope.”

“But, you know me, Moody.  You have known me for years.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Do you think I would tell you a falsehood?”

“No.”

“Well, ten years ago, I was far gone.  The physicians also gave me up to die, but I took this medicine, and it cured me.  I am perfectly well — look at me.”

“That is extraordinary!”

“Yes, it may be strange, but it is a fact.  That medicine cured me.  Take this medicine, and it will cure you.  Although it has cost me a great deal, it shall not cost you anything.”

“Well,” I say, “I would like to believe you, but this is contrary to what I have heard.”

Hearing this, my friend returned and brought another friend to me, who testified to the same thing.  He again went away when I would not believe it.  He brought back another, and another, and another, and they all testified to the same thing.  They said they were as bad as myself, but they took the same medicine that had been offered to me, and it cured them.  He then handed me the medicine.  I dashed it to the ground.  I did not believe in its saving power.  I died with the cure repeatedly offered to me.

This fictitious instance sounds ridiculous, yet similar versions have occurred thousands of times worldwide and in history.  People know of countless folks who have had their lives ruined by sin.  They clearly see it is harming their own lives.  

Most have heard enough Bible teaching and know there is an eternity after this life for all and an eternal wage for sins committed in this life if one is not saved.  They have learned they will not get away with their sin.

These same people have heard the Gospel many different ways, from preaching, articles, signs, and countless acquaintances.  Many testimonies have been heard about how the lives of folks, even more vile than themselves, have been transformed simply by being saved by Christ’s precious blood.  They have even seen the transformations for themselves.  

Still, they refuse to take the only cure to prevent eternal torment.  They reject the gift of salvation’s remedy.  It is against their reasoning to solve their “problem.” 

Sadly, there are many reading this who also may be “dashing” the only “medicine” that cures their sin-sick life and can give them eternal life.  They never trust Christ as their Saviour.

Do not throw away the only remedy that can cure one from the ravages of sin.  Jesus can save!

“Is life a puzzle?  Christianity has the missing peace!”  — Author Unknown

He Speaks the Truth
Moorehouse

Suppose you go to a street and meet a man whom you have known for the last ten years to be a beggar.  You notice a tremendous change in his appearance, and you say, “Hello, beggar, what’s happened to you?”

“I ain’t no beggar.  Don’t call me a beggar.”

“Why,” you say, “I saw you begging in the street the other day.”

“Ah, but a change has taken place since then,” he replies.

“Is that so?  How did it come about?” you inquire.

“Well,” he says, “I came out this morning and got down here intending to catch the businessmen and get money from them.  One person came up to me and said there was $10,000 deposited for me.”

“How do you know that was true?” you say.

“I went to the bank, and they put the money in my hand.”

“Are you sure of that?” you ask.

“I got the money, and that’s all the proof I needed.  Things are different now.”

After being saved by doing what the Bible says, some often question similarly.  “Did I really get born again?  Did I truly get saved?  Do I really have God’s  promise of eternity?”

They have only to accept His testimony, and they are saved.  John said, “He that hath received His testimony hath set his seal that God is true.” (John 3:33)  Is there a person reading this who will receive His testimony and gift for our salvation and trust God’s promise is true?  Proclaim that God speaks the truth.  Make God’s testimony true.  Take Him at His Word.  Anyone who believes and asks can be saved!

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 2:21

The Devil’s Tactics
J. Vernon McGee

When the Devil saw that persecution would not stop the church, he changed to a different tactic.  He joined the church.  He began to hurt the church from the inside. 

The enemy of God still does that today.  He attacks the validity of the Word of God, and he tries to discredit the Gospel.  If that doesn’t work, he tries to discredit the man who preaches the Gospel.  He has used these tactics on many Christians.

“The devil doesn’t come to you with a red face and horns.  He comes to you disguised as everything you’ve ever wanted.” — Author Unknown

Separate
Smith Wigglesworth

The reason the world is not seeing Jesus is that Christian people are not filled with Him.  They are satisfied attending weekly meetings, reading the Bible occasionally, and praying from time to time.  It is an awful thing to see people who profess to be Christians but are are not living His way, powerless, and in a place where their lives are so parallel to unbelievers’ lives that it is difficult to tell if they really are children of God.

“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 Cor. 6:17-18

The BIBLE VIEW #988 — Good Works

In This Issue:
False Faith
I Have a Mighty Castle
Works Or Grace?
Rotten Covering

Volume: 988    January 6, 2025
Theme: Good Works

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


Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say

False Faith
Bill Brinkworth

The one thing that has kept many out of Heaven, even professing Christians, is discussed in James 2:4-26.  Sadly, those people may have thought they had done what was necessary to obtain Heaven but were mistaken. The faith they thought would bar them from everlasting torment was not “real.”

Just believing in God is not saving or trusting faith! Even the devils believe in God (James 2:19).  They tremble at the mention of Him, yet their “faith” will not save them any more than that kind of faith will save anyone.  Satan has even talked to God, yet his knowing the Creator will not get him into Heaven either.

Knowledge is not necessarily faith.  I can believe there is a president in the Whitehouse, but that faith does not make me a member of his family or even part of his cabinet. Genuine Christian faith is more than knowing about spiritual things.

The ingredient that makes faith real is that one trusts one’s belief physically. That trust is exhibited by one’s works. 

A believer trusts the Bible is God’s Word and tries to follow every commandment its pages reveal. One who believes Jesus will hear one’s prayers talks to Him often.  The saved person, by faith, also will believe that God will meet every need.

The born-again child of God patiently waits for Him to meet needs, rather than impatiently racking up credit card debt because God did not provide in the time expected.  One tithes because God commands it, and the child of God knows God will somehow help him live on less. Those steps may seem foolish to one not living by genuine faith, but to the faithful and God, they prove one’s trust is real.

Faith without these “works” (proofs) is not genuine faith. Three times (James 2:17, 20, 26) faith without works is referred to as “dead.”
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:17

Many know the “works” part is essential and try incorporating it into their theology.  They put the works first and think they will save and prove that they have faith.  Unfortunately, they get the order wrong. 

They participate in religious ceremonies or good deeds to prove they have faith.  Often, they try to clean up their life, attempt to act righteously, and do other good works.  As noble as they may appear, these acts are not by faith. They are attempts to pay for God’s approval.  One cannot work oneself to Heaven.

Faith is extending one’s trust in God. The proof of belief is that the “works” show one is acting on faith’s behalf.  This may seem like a fine line to some, but it is the line that separates the saved from the unsaved.  Is your faith manifested by your works of faith?

“Faith is an inside job that works its way out.” — Author Unknown



I Have a Mighty Castle
From A Story by C. H. Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon likened a man in his unsaved, natural estate to a man who lived in what he thought was a strong, impenetrable castle.  Within it, the man hid behind its protective outer and inner moats.  Beyond those deep, water-filled waterways were tall, thick walls, and further within, if an enemy could ever get beyond them were protective fort-like dungeons.

The first moat that goes around the sinner’s trusting place is his good works.  “Ah,” he says, “I am as good as my neighbor.  I pay my bills on time.  I tithe to the church on even the smallest amount I earn.  I am a good, respectable gentleman, indeed.”

When the Lord comes to save this man, He easily storms the first obstacle the man has created.  God’s approaching, thundering voice shouts, “Salvation is of the Lord!  If salvation is of God, how can it be of good works?”  Instantly, the moat is dried up.

“There is still the moat of ceremonies,” the man thinks.  “Well, I may not be able to trust in my good works, but I have been baptized.  I have been confirmed.  Do I not take of the sacrament?  That shall be my trust!”

The convicting army of God again attacks and approaches this second barrier.  Again, the master shouts, “Salvation is of the Lord!”  This watery obstacle is also dried up.

Confused, the man retreats further into his fort of protection.  He never expected this protection to fail him.  Behind the tall, thick, strong walls, he stows himself away.  Looking over the fort’s walls, the sinner convinces himself of his safety and says, “I can repent.  I can believe whenever I like.  I will save myself by repenting and believing.”

Up the walls God’s conviction approaches.  The walls are easily battered down.  His voice shouts, “Salvation is of the Lord.  Your faith and repentance must all be given you or else you will neither truly believe nor repent of sin.”

The castle of self is overcome.  Any hopes the sinner had are all cut off.  He knows now salvation is not of anything he could have done as he reads the banner that replaces his own.  It proudly waves, “Salvation is of the Lord!”

Is the battle over?  Oh, no.  The sinner has retired to the dungeons in the center of the castle.  He now uses another tactic, “I cannot save myself.  There is no salvation for me.”  The sinner sits down and cries, “I cannot be saved.  I will perish.”

The Lord also attacks this battlement.  The Lord’s commanding voice shouts, “Salvation is of the Lord.  It is not of man; it is of God.  I can save even the worst sinners.  This sword, you see, cuts two ways.  It cuts pride down, and then it cleaves the skull of despair.  If many say they can save themselves, it will half their pride at once.  If another says one cannot be saved, it dasheth despair to the Earth, for it affirms that one can be saved when one truly sees salvation is of the Lord.  Jesus came to save all that would believe and trust that His payment for sin is the only way to victory!”

“Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair with God.”
— Chesterton

 Works Or Grace?
Harry Todd

If you can go to Heaven
By the works you do,
Then who is keeping score,
Is it God or you?

If you could gain some points
For the good deeds you do,
Then losing points for bad deeds
Must be also true.

Then at the end of day
You add up the score,
Can you tell you’ve done enough
To enter Heaven’s door?

Then if your bad deeds
Are more than the good you had,
Then how many good deeds
Will make up for the bad?

Now all these good deeds
That you think are right,
How do you know these deeds
Are pleasing in God’s sight?

If you can go to Heaven
By good deeds that you do,
Then why did Jesus come
To die for me and you?

It was on the cross of Calvary,
Jesus shed His blood for you;
If His blood was not sufficient,
Then your good deeds will never do.

By grace you are saved, by faith,
That is the Bible way,
So stop trying, start trusting,
Receive Christ as Saviour today!

“The law tells me how crooked I am.  Grace comes along and straightens me out.”
— D . L. Moody

Rotten Covering
John Bates

A man walking over a rotten covering of a deep pit will, in all probability, fall in and be killed.  Likewise, the man who trusts his good works to get to Heaven will find that they are all rottenness and will give way under him and sink him into the punishment of Hell.

The BIBLE VIEW #987 — Bitterness

In This Issue:
Bound by Bitterness
Advice on How to Have a Good Testimony
Forgive

Volume: 987    December 30, 2024
Theme: Bitterness

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


Read what readers have said about the e-mailed devotion at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/what-readers-say/

Bound by Bitterness
Bill Brinkworth

One of the most devastating human emotions can be feelings of bitterness.  Its strangling grasp can creep into our lives.  Sometimes, we do not know how much it consumes our thoughts and feelings.  Before we know it, we are captured in the claws of the sin of unforgiveness.

Perhaps it started with hurt feelings over what was said, another’s actions, or even a lack of response.  We mull it over and over.  It festers in our gut.  Our spirit may even be crushed.  

We can get hard feelings about the person that offended us.  Perhaps those hurt want to get “even” with the other person.  Before long, hurt feelings can lead to different actions, including slander against the offending person or avoidance of that person.

The hurt accomplished may not even be recognized by the “offender”.  They may not have a clue as to how one is reacting to their remarks or actions, yet the offendee’s bitterness burrows deeper and deeper into one’s life.

Holding a grudge against another can be so devastating to some that it affects their health.  Anger can be a result of bitterness.  When angry, adrenaline and other hormones are released into the bloodstream, causing high blood pressure and a faster beating heart.  Depression, ulcers, heart attack, and stroke have also been linked to those that are controlled by the stress of bitterness and unforgiveness.  Not forgiving and not attempting to forget the offense can also lead people to do or say things to the offender that they would never think of doing or saying.  Bitterness can indeed affect a person’s life.

All have wrongs done to them sometime in their lives that hurt their feelings.  Some let them roll off their shoulders and continue with their lives; others stew and never let go of what another has done to them.  

The Bible has much to say about bitterness and forgiving one another.  Here is a glimpse of what is said in the Bible:

  • God says not to be bitter and hold a grudge!  “It’s not that easy not to be bitter,” is often said.  That is true.  No sin is easy to stop.  To have a healthy life and a good relationship with God, bitterness must be halted.
    “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour [to complain, utter loud noises], and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:” Ephesians 4:31
  • Forgive those who have wronged you.
    “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.” Luke 17:3
  • Christ knows all you did, yet He still has forgiven all you have done if you are saved!  (John 3:16)
    “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32   Also: Col. 3:13.
  • Do not worry and occupy your thoughts with what another has done to you.  The gateway to bitterness is the thought gate.  Once an idea gets in and is contemplated, it does more damage the more it is entertained in one’s thought life.  Do not let yourself dwell on it.  Stop thinking about it before it gets out of hand.
    “Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;” Prov. 24:19
  • Do not even start entertaining thoughts of getting even.
    “Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.” Proverbs 24:29  Also: I Peter 3:8.
  • You certainly have wronged others, even unintentionally.  You surely want to be forgiven by others and the Lord, so forgive those who have “wronged” you!
    “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12  Also: Mark 11:25-26.
  • Forgive them, even if they do the offense more than once!
    “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?  till seven times?  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21  Also: Luke 17:4.
  • The only “getting even” God allows is to be nice to the offender!
    “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.” Proverbs 25:21- 22  Return unkindness with kindness!  This is certainly not what the world gives as a solution.  Vengeance never takes away hurt feelings.   Also: Mat.  5:44-45, Rom. 12:14, Rom.  12:17.
  • If any “getting even” is needed, God will do it, not you!
    “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19
  • Do not be happy when bad things happen to them.  Do not gloat, “They are getting theirs!”
    “Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.” Proverbs 24:17-18

Unforgiveness and the bitterness that often follow do not help or change anything.  The hurt feelings of bringing the matter up repeatedly certainly digs its trap deeper and deeper.  The only way to get peace is to forgive.

“It’s easy for you to say.  You don’t know what that person did to me.” You are right.  I do not know, but I have learned that carrying and harboring bitterness will hurt you and others.  Your only choices are to let it fester or eliminate it.  Hopefully, you truly want to get rid of it.

Although it is repeatedly suggested that we forget our offended feelings, most of us cannot.  Only God can forget when He chooses.  We may not be able to get it permanently out of our minds, but we can do our best not to let it be at the forefront of our thought-life.

We all battle hurt feelings.  It is our choice how we handle them.  God’s Word clearly says we should not let those temptations rule and destroy our lives.  Instead of getting bitter and blaming God about a matter, it is the time to get close to Him.  It is during those hard times that we learn of His mercy and grace.

The longer one carries a grudge, the heavier it becomes!
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” Eph. 4:26

Advice on How to Have a Good Testimony
Bill Brinkworth

One of the most valuable assets a Christian can have is his testimony.  What others think of him is often what they see him do, how he reacts in certain situations, and how they believe a Christian should live (although their view may not always be accurate).  Paul gave some advice on how to preserve that testimony in Ephesians 4.  Some of his advice included:

  • Do not live like the rest of the world and put the wrong value on things that are not that important (vs. 17-18).
  • Do not lust after things of this world and be consumed with greed for them (vs. 19).
  • Do not let your conversation with others be about lust for this world’s things (vs. 22).
  • Live a righteous life and strive to be a good example (vs. 24).
  • Let your conversation be honest, and do not lie (vs. 25).
  • If you get angry, get it right with those involved before the sun goes down (vs. 26).
  • Do not get close to sin, and allow the devil to destroy your testimony (vs. 27).
  • Do not steal; work hard for what you want (vs. 28).
  • Be careful of the words you utter, and make sure what you say helps others (vs. 29).
  • Do not sadden the indwelling Holy Spirit by sinning (vs. 30).
  • Do not allow the sins of bitterness, violence, anger, and evil speaking to be part of your life (vs. 31).
  • Be kind to others (vs. 32).

 As hard as we try, some will always see our example wrong, no matter how we adhere to the above advice and other godly principles.  Although it is impossible to please all the people all the time, we have a responsibility to try to have the best testimony possible.  Our example is not so much about what others think about us but what others believe about Christ from our example. 

We are often all the unsaved will ever see about Christ.  Will they determine that they do not want to be a Christian because of what is observed by our behavior, or will they consider being one because of how we live our lives?

“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” Heb. 12:15

Forgive
Author Unknown

In a school in Ireland, one boy struck another, and when he was about to be punished, the injured boy begged for his pardon.  The teacher asked, “Why do you wish to keep him from being punished?  He hit you.”

The boy replied, “I have read in the New Testament where our Lord Jesus Christ said that we should forgive our enemies and therefore I forgive him and beg he may not be punished for my sake.”

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Mat.  6:14-15

The BIBLE VIEW #986 — Sin

In This Issue:
We’re All Sinners
Curse of Sin
Deceitfulness of Sin
Sin, the Deceiver
Sin, the Tyrant
What Forgiveness Did


Volume: 986    December 23, 2024
Theme: Sin

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

We’re All Sinners
Bill Brinkworth

His friends whispered as loudly as they dared, “No, Avijit.  Do not go up to those people.  They do not want you there.  Stay with us.”

Avijit walked on towards the settlement, ignoring his friends’ pleas.  “I’m not like you,” he muttered.  “They will take me in and help me.”

As he approached a woman laden with wares she had just purchased at the bazaar, she shrieked as she gazed at the boy approaching her.  “Stand back,” she warned.  “Don’t get any closer!”

“But,” he tried to present his case, “I am not as bad as the others,” he pointed to the three that stood at the city’s outskirts, watching what would happen.

“Still, you are a leper!” reminded the woman. 

“But Ketak’s fingers and toes are disfigured,” he pointed to a distant figure of a young girl wrapped in tattered rags.  “Look at mine.  They are straight and strong.”  He showed the woman his young, brown fingers.  They were not affected by the dreaded disease.

“Maybe not, but still, you have the cursed disease.  Stand back.”  She said as she also took one step backward.

“But, my sores are not as bad as Badal’s,” he pointed to another figure looking on from afar.  “See, they are a lot smaller,” he pointed to the sores on his face and ears.

The woman shrugged as she looked at the disfiguring mass of sores spread across the young boy’s face and body, “But still, you have leprosy.  If you get any closer, I could also get the disease.  Stand back.  Stay with your kind, so we don’t get it,” and she quickly scurried away.

No matter how Avijit compared himself to others, the truth of the matter was that he still had a contagious disease.  He was still a leper and was a danger to others around him.  Many compare their sins to others in a similar manner.  They know what they have done but justify their iniquities as not as “bad” as others’ deeds. 

They compare themselves to the convicted thief behind bars and justify, “Yes, I have stolen pens from work, but I’m not as bad as that man who robbed a bank.”

The truth whispers back, “Ah ha, but you are still a thief.”

“I may lie to keep myself from getting in trouble with my parents, but I’m not as bad as that person who always lies.”

Again, the truth speaks softly to the conscience, “But you still are a liar!”

Stumbling for an example to clear any suggestions that they are guilty of being “bad”, justification fires back, “But, I am a good person.  I’m not as bad as others!”

The small, soft voice of conviction answers, “But sinning only once still qualifies you as a sinner.  Do not compare yourself to other sinners.  The penalty for iniquity is Hell.”

“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” II Cor. 10:12

Unfortunately, it is “human” to compare ourselves to others.  It is not our measuring tool that matters, however.  It is God’s judgment that matters, and He says no sinner can go to Heaven. 

Since we are all sinners, the prognosis is not good.  However, because God loves us, He gave us a way to have our sins forgiven and forgotten.  That way is to recognize you are a sinner and believe that Jesus has paid for your sins with His blood at Calvary. 

All we need to do is admit our sinnership and trust Christ’s death is sufficient to pay for our sins; and then we can have God’s promise of Heaven one day.  All sin can be forgiven, and we can have our name written in Heaven’s “Book of Life!

“And there shall in no wise enter into it [Heaven] any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Rev. 21:27

Curse of Sin
Dr. J. Parker

O Sin, how hast thou curst us!  Thou hast thrown up a barrier between ourselves and God.  With thy chilling breath, thou hast extinguished the light of our household joys.  Thou hast unstrung our hap and filled the air with discordant cries.  Thou hast unsheathed the sword and bathed it in human blood.  Thou has dug every grave in the bosom of the fair earth.  But, for thee, we should not have known the name of widow or orphan, tear and sigh, and sorrow and death.  But for thee, our hearts had been untorn by a pang, and our joy pure as the ecstasies of Heaven.

“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

Deceitfulness of Sin
Modified from an article by Henry Smith

When a man sins, he thinks within himself, “I will do this no more.”  Soon, another sin rears its tempting head, and after falling for its “bait,” the partaker of the sin again lowers his head in defeat and shame, promising never to do it again.  The lesson is still not learned, and after another sin is committed, it is repeatedly promised to “never to do it again.”

That is the way of sin to spur a man forward in his involvement in it.  Each time iniquity is committed, the man feels farther from God, less good about himself, and tormented by his own conscience.

“Give sin an inch, and you will have to retake a mile!” — Author Unknown



Sin, the Deceiver
Edited from a poem by Keach

Sin is composed of nothing but subtle wiles.
It fakes and flatters, and betrays by its smiles.
‘Tis like the panther, or the crocodile.
It hides its sting, seems harmless as a dove.
It hugs the soul, and hates, when it vowed to love.
It plays the tyrant most by gilded pills,
It secretly ensnares the souls it kills,
Sin’s promises they all deceitful be:
Does promise wealth, but pays only poverty.
Does promise honor, but only pays us shame
And quite bereaves a man of his good name.
Does promise pleasure, but only pays us sorrow.
It promises life today, but pays death tomorrow.
No thief so vile, nor treacherous as sin,
Whom fools do hug and take much pleasure in.



Sin, the Tyrant
Edited from an article by John Bate

An Arab miller was one day startled by a camel’s nose thrust in the window of a room where he was sleeping.  “It is very cold outside,” said the camel, “I only want to get my nose in to warm it.”

The nose was allowed in, then the neck, and finally, the whole body worked its way into the abode.  Soon, the miller began to be extremely inconvenienced by the ungainly companion he had obtained in a room certainly not large enough to hold both.  “If you are inconvenienced, you may leave,” said the camel.  “As for myself, I shall stay where I am.”

Thus is the ploy of sin.  It slithers in just a bit, and soon, a whole life is inconvenienced and plagued by its dominance.

What Forgiveness Did
Edited from an article by Dr. Guthrie

In the garrison town of Woolwich over 175 years ago, a soldier was about to be brought before the commanding officer for a misdemeanor.  The officer hearing the case exclaimed, “Here he is again.  What can we do with him?  He has been before us often, and nothing seems to turn him around!”

The sergeant-major apologized for intruding and said, “There is one thing that has never been done with him yet, sir.”

“What is that, sergeant-major?”

“Well, sir, he has never yet been forgiven.”

“Forgiven?” shouted the colonel, “See the long list of accusations against him?”

“Yes, I see, but the man is not before you yet, and you can cancel it.”

After reflecting on the matter, the colonel ordered the man to be brought before him.  When the prisoner was asked what he had to say regarding the charges brought against him, he replied, “Nothing, sir.  Only that I am very sorry for what I have done.”

After making some suitable remarks, the colonel concluded, “Well, we are resolved to forgive you.”

The soldier was struck with astonishment.  Tears ran down his face as he wept.  The colonel felt deeply, when he saw the man was humbled.  After thanking the colonel, the forgiven soldier left.

For two more years, the soldier remained in the army.  Not once were further charges brought against him during that time, or was fault found in the man.  Mercy triumphed.  Kindness conquered.

Such is the same mercy given to any that will humble themselves before the Father.  With a simple, sincere admittance of sinnership and trusting in Christ’s gift of eternal life, one can likewise be forgiven and have a new and different life.

“When God pardons sin, he consigns the offenses to eternal forgetfulness.”
— Author Unknown