Category: 2021

The BIBLE VIEW #817 — Sin

In This Issue:
It Will Turn Up
No Matter What They Decide
How to be Forgiven

Volume: 817    July 5, 2021
Theme: Sin

Free Daily Devotions, Bible Studies, Sunday School lessons and printed versions of The Bible View (including church bulletin insert and large print versions) are available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/ and http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/.

View A NEW Facebook Video: Heaven or Hell? at https://www.facebook.com/bill.brinkworth.966/videos/534362997696494 AND share! (Make sure the sound is turned on.) There are so many headed to Hell. You CAN help them not go there!



It Will Turn Up
Bill Brinkworth

Twenty years previously, Aaron Giles lost a small identity bracelet he was wearing. He was about five years old and was never sure where he lost it.  Aaron believes he lost it when he was playing at his grandfather’s farm in Fairmont, Minnesota.

A lot of time has gone by since, and his grandfather’s farm is no longer standing.  How surprised he was when the piece of jewelry was returned to him. It was found by a meat cutter, who found it when removing a chicken’s gizzard. The object was in good condition, and the name was still legible. It was believed the animal came from a farm near where the boy had lost it 20 years previously. It was there the fowl swallowed the shiny object.

Many times, deeds done a long time ago rear their reminding head.  If it was a good deed, and we are reminded of it, we smile and remember happily.  If, however, the deed was something we are now ashamed of ever having done, we cringe at the remembrance that we were the ones who did the shameful act.

Again and again, crimes that were done a long time ago come under re-investigation. Surprised are the villains when the law arrives at their door to arrest them for a crime that they may have even forgotten they had done. 

Adulterous acts have often been revealed to spouses many years after the sin was committed. Government officials running for office have had to resign from their race for office after it was discovered that they had cheated on a long-past college exam.  People have been rejected from getting jobs because of the discovery of their criminal activity many years before.

Like Mr. Gile’s bracelet recovery, the wages and the public exposure of sin can occur long after the act was done or performed.  There is a principle taught in the Bible about iniquity.  It is that no one gets away without paying a price tag for their transgressions. The act may have been done in secret, but it will not always be hidden. As Moses reminded His people, “… be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

Many suffer in this life from a payday of sin long after the deed was committed.  Adulterers often pay for their trespass by eventually losing their families. Thieves’ salaries for their sin are often paid by jail time.  Liars pay time and a half for their dishonesty by separation from friends that no longer trust them.  All, if unsaved and not receiving Jesus’ death as payment for their sin, will suffer in a dark, lonely, painful, eternal Hell.

God wants no one to suffer the after-shocks of sin.  That is why His desire is for us to keep far from the damaging grasps of iniquity.  No matter who you are, your sin may be revealed – somewhere, sometime.  Its embarrassing reminder can turn up.

“Sin may open bright as the morning, but it will end dark as night.”
 – Talmage


No Matter What They Decide
Bill Brinkworth

Before Joshua’s death, the leader gathered the people of Israel together. He reminded them of all the great and mighty things God had done for them and their fathers. Joshua rehearsed how God took, gave, sent, plagued, brought, put, destroyed, and delivered for them in over 17 instances (Joshua 24:3-13).

Joshua also rehearsed all the failures of His people. He reminded them how they continued to backslide from God and repeatedly had to be saved from the consequences of their poor choices. Many of God’s rescues were because the people had not learned their lesson and were still of two beliefs.

Sometimes they served God, and other times they served the losing side and its false gods.  Trying to live for God was a constant struggle for them.  Their minds were not completely made up, or they would not have had made the same mistakes repeatedly.

No matter what Israel’s loyalty to God was, it was not a hard decision for Joshua.  The leader’s mind was made up.   He had previously decided who His God was and that he would be faithful in obedience to Him. It was no longer a struggle for Joshua to know whom he would serve.

“Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:14-15

Israel’s leader used interesting terms in describing many of the people’s desire not to serve God.  He used: “… if it seem evil.”  This wording indicated that some people thought that serving their Creator and Protector was physically, socially, or morally bad for them. This thinking is not unlike the thoughts of many today.  Too many think serving God and obeying His commandments, as recorded in the Bible, is unprofitable to them because:

  • They think they will miss all the “fun” if they follow God’s commandments.  Sin is only “fun” for a short time, however.  It usually has regrettable consequences that come at a later time.  Iniquity never gives genuine joy, only temporary satisfaction.
    “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;” Hebrews 11:25. 
  • They do not know that there is a price tag for sin. No one gets away with sin.
    “ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverb 28:13
    “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
  • His way is not the world’s way.  By following His way, they will appear different from others.  It is often more important to some to be like everyone else rather than pleasing God.

Yes, God’s way is different.  Yes, you will not fit in if you are obedient to God, but why do you want to be like the losing side, anyway?  God’s way is always better.  He has raised billions of children, and Father knows best.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9

  • They only see the now and forget the eternal.  There is life after death. There is an eternity in either Heaven or Hell.  What sense is there in missing an eternity in Heaven for temporary satisfaction for a relatively short time here on Earth?
    “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36

The world’s reasons for not serving God are not much different than those of Joshua’s day.  The excuses come from the same rebellious and disobedient heart. No matter the time, the answer to God can be the same as Joshua’s: “… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15.  No matter what others think or do, we can always be different and do right!

“Sin and dandelions are a lot alike; they’re a lifetime battle to control that you never quite win.”  —White


How to be Forgiven

  • Know all have sinned — including you.
    “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23
  • Know that eventually there is a cost for your sin that has to be paid.
    “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
  • Know that the price for your sin has already been paid — no matter what you have done.
    “ But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
  • Know that you can apply Jesus’ payment to your sin account and have ALL your sins forgiven.  You can have God’s promise of Heaven!
    “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9
    “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9      (“Confessing” is admitting your faults to God in prayer).

“God hates the sin, but He loves the sinner.”  — D. L. Moody

The Bible View #816 — Forgiven

In This Issue:
Purged
Remember, You Are Forgiven!
Forgiveness
Moody’s Mother’s Forgiveness

Volume: 816    June 28, 2021
Theme: Forgiven

Purged
Bill Brinkworth

“Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his [God’s] Son [Jesus], whom he hath appointed heir of all things, . . . when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;” Heb. 1:2-3

The Apostle Paul starts his letter to the Hebrews by bragging about Jesus.  Although much is pointed out about our Saviour, one little word is easily skipped. That word is “purged.” The term explains why anyone can go to Heaven and why they can have a peaceful life.

Noah Webster defines “purge” as “to cleanse or purify by separating and carrying off whatever is impure.” When one accepts Jesus’ death on the Cross as payment for all his sins, he is purified of the one dirty thing that keeps all out of Heaven. He is purified from all the iniquities he has committed and the ones he will do in the future. His sins were all carried off by Jesus when He died.

Mr. Webster further defined “purge” as clearing “from guilt or moral defilement.” When Jesus’ finished work at Calvary is accepted to cover one’s transgressions, he is relieved from any shame his sin can bring him.

Many have been saved and know God has forgiven and forgotten past sins, but they still hang on to guilty thoughts of what they have done.  Paul has told us there is no need to have any guilt.  Since God has forgiven us, we must forgive ourselves. 

A Christian is purged! All our sins are carried away.  We do not have to continue in them, and we certainly do not need to dwell on what God has forgiven.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12


Remember, You Are Forgiven!
Bill Brinkworth

When we are saved, our whole life should change. We are forgiven, and our sins are forgotten. Our old ways are dead and hidden (Colossians 3:3), as far as God is concerned. We are to bring our bodies under subjection (“mortify” – Col. 3:5). No longer are we to let sin control our lives (Col. 3:5-10). We should put our “old man,” what we used to do and be, far away from us.

We are new creatures in Christ (II Cor. 5:17) and have a fresh start.  We have a “new man” (Col. 3:10) that we should put on and strive, with God’s goodness and help, to “wear” well!  Our new attitudes and actions should try to be:

  • Holy and dear to God’s heart (Col. 3:12).
  • Merciful to others, as we have received much mercy from God (Col. 3:12).
  • Kind  (Col. 3:12).
  • Humble  (Col. 3:12).
  • Meek  (Col. 3:12).
  • Longsuffering (Col. 3:12).
  • Willing to put up with what others do to us repeatedly  (“forbearing” – Col. 3:13).
  • Forgive what others do to us and others.  God certainly has forgiven us thousands of times.  Why cannot we forgive those that have wronged or offended us (Col. 3:13)?
  • Loving and caring to all — unconditionally (Col. 3:14)!
  • Peaceful to one another (Col. 3:15).
  • Thankful (Col. 3:15, 17).
  • Ruled and guided by God’s Word (Col. 3:16).
  • Submissive to authorities, God says are over us (Col. 3:18-22).

It would be impossible to do all God has told us to do, as new creatures in Christ, and not be happy and content. However, it is when we allow the “old man” to be temporarily resurrected that we have our problems. When our old ways return, they rob us of the peace and joy that should be ours. Has the “old you” gained control in your life again?  Ask the Lord to forgive you and help you regain what is yours!

“Feed the ‘new man,’ the spiritual you, and he will grow stronger every day.  Do not feed the ‘new man,’ and he will suffer from spiritual malnutrition.”


Forgiveness
Edmonsan, 1871

When on the fragrant sandal tree
The woodman’s ax descends,
And she who bloomed so beauteously.
Beneath the weapon bends,
E’en on the edge that wrought her death,
Dying, she breathes her sweetest breath,
As if to token in her fall
Peace to her foes, and love to all.

How hardly man this lesson learns,
To smile, and bless the hand that spurns;
To see the blow, to feel the pain,
And render only love again!
One had it — be He came from Heaven,
Reviled, rejected, and betrayed;
No curse He breathed; no plaint He made,
But when in death’s dark pang, He sighed,
Prayed for His murderers and died.

“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


Moody’s Mother’s Forgiveness
D. L. Moody

Before I was fourteen years old, the first thing I remember was the death of my father. He had been unfortunate in business and failed. Soon after his death, the creditors came and took everything.

My mother was left with a large family of children. One calamity after another swept over the household. Twins were added to the family, and my mother was taken sick.

The eldest boy was fifteen years of age.  Mother looked to him as a stay in her calamity, but all at once, he became a wanderer. He had been reading some of the trashy novels, and the belief had seized him that he had only to go away to make a fortune.

Away he went. I can remember how eagerly mother used to look for tidings of that boy. She used to send us to the post office to see if there was a letter from him.  I recollect how we used to come back with the sad news, “No letter.”

I remember how in the evenings, we used to sit beside her in that New England home. We would talk about our father, but the moment the boy’s name was mentioned, she would hush us into silence. Some nights when the wind was strong, and the house would tremble at every gust, mother’s voice was raised in prayer for that wanderer who had treated her so unkindly. I used to think she loved him more than all the rest of us put together, and I believe she did.

On Thanksgiving Day, she used to set a chair for him, thinking he would return home. Her family grew up, and her other boys left home.

When I got so that I could write, I sent letters all over the country but could find no trace of him.  While in Boston, I remember how I used to look for him in every store.  I looked amongst people for anyone who had a mark on their face, as my brother had.  I never found him.

One day while my mother was sitting at the door, a stranger was seen coming toward the house, and when he came to the door, he stopped. My mother did not know her boy. He stood there with folded arms and a great beard flowing down to his breast.  His tears trickled down his face.

When my mother saw those tears, she cried, “Oh, it’s my lost son,” and implored him to come in. He stood still.

“No, mother,” he said, “I will not come in until I hear first you have forgiven me.”

Do you believe she was not willing to forgive him? Do you think she was likely to keep him standing there? Instead, she rushed to the threshold and threw her arms around him, and breathed forgiveness.

Ah, sinner, if you but ask God to be merciful to you, you can ask Him for forgiveness. Although your life may have been in sin, ask Him for mercy, and He will not keep you waiting long for an answer. He is looking and waiting for you!

“It is vain for you to expect, and it is imprudent for you to ask of God forgiveness on your behalf if you refuse to exercise this forgiving temper to others.” — Hoadley

The Bible View #815 — Faith

In This Issue:
Waivering Faith
A Dirty Telescope
Faith Training
Jumping into Father’s Arms
The Reflecting Waters
Dead Faith 
Christ, Our Guide

Volume: 815    June 21, 2021
Theme: Faith

Waivering Faith  
Bill Brinkworth

Like most of us, there was a time when Peter’s faith was stronger than at other times.  Peter found himself in a boat with vehement winds and threatening waves all around him. The craft was tossed helplessly by the powerful sea when he and the other disciples saw a most unusual, unbelievable sight.  They saw Jesus walk toward them, and He was walking on top of the waves!

After talking with Jesus, Peter was summoned to the Saviour’s side.  Without question, the disciple stepped out of the boat and joined Jesus, also walking on the water! However, Peter’s victory over all normal laws of nature did not last long.   When he looked around, he felt the hard-blowing winds and saw the boisterous waves.  He became afraid and sank.  His lack of faith changed what was happening in his life.

So many Christians start out their Christian walk similarly as did Peter when he jumped out of the boat. When they get saved and see the wondrous changes that the Lord has accomplished in their lives, their zeal is great.  They get involved in a ministry.  Faithfully, they attend church, read their Bible, and converse daily with God in prayer.  However, something happens to dull the excitement and fervor of their serving God. Perhaps it was an unkind word uttered by another or a question that they may be doing too much.  Maybe looking around they saw others were not going on church-wide visitation as they were, or they saw that many lived differently most of the week than they did on Sunday.  No matter what got them to question what they were doing for the Lord, they fell the same way Peter did; they looked around and their faith was weakened.

When anyone looks around and sees only what the natural man sees, he will be discouraged and have his faith challenged.  Looking toward a pastor or leader in a church may be a better example than most have, but that leader is made of the same flesh that you and I are made.  There may be a time that he may let you down. Following the example of another godly person may also be a bright light to follow but that person can make mistakes, and there may be a day that he will also disappoint you. 

The only one that is perfect and cannot let you down is Jesus.  Do what Peter did for a short time, keep your eye on God. Look and lean on Him.  Do not look around, compare, and criticize what others are doing. We may all let you down one day because we are no more perfect than you.  Look above.  The Lord will never leave nor forsake you, nor let you down.

“Wrinkled by life?  Look to God for a faith lift!”



A Dirty Telescope
John Bate

The astronomer is careful to have his telescope lenses clean and free from all dust. The smallest speck of dust might affect an object’s appearance. It will look different than it really is. 

So should a Christian be careful to have their faith wiped clean of all the dust of doubts and unbelief, lest they should behold the truths of God imperfectly and come to an incorrect judgment.  Without faith to guide and direct them, things will look different than they are or could be.

“If you have no joy, there has to be a leak in your faith somewhere.”  — H. Beecher



Faith Training
S. Coley

One day, Richard went into a room where his little girl was, bright-eyed and happy as she could be.  Somebody had just given her a box of exquisite wooden beads.

The little child ran to her papa immediately to show her gift. “They are very beautiful, my child,” he said, “but now, my dear, throw them into the fire.”  The little girl looked for a moment.  It was a great trial.  “Now, I shall not compel you to do it.  I leave it to you, but you never knew papa to ask you to do a thing that was not kind to you.  I cannot tell you why, but can you trust me to do so?”

It cost a great effort, but the little child began in her way to think, “Father has always been kind to me.  I suppose it is alright,” and she took the box and threw it into the fire. 

The father said no more for some time.  However, the next day, he presented her with something far more beautiful and which she had long desired. “Now,” said he, “my child, I did this to teach you to trust in the greater Father in Heaven.  Many a time in your life, He will require you to give up and to avoid what you cannot see or understand.  If you trust your Father in Heaven as you have trusted me, you will always find it best.”

“The beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.” — George Muller



Jumping into Father’s Arms
D. L. Moody

It was a beautiful evening, and just before the meeting, some neighbors and myself were sitting on the front piazza enjoying the evening. One of the neighbors put one of his children upon a ledge eight feet high, put out his hands, and told him to jump. Without the slightest hesitation, the child sprang into his father’s arms. Another child was lifted, and he, too, readily leaped into the arms of his father. He picked up another boy, larger than the others, and held out his arms, but he wouldn’t jump. He cried and screamed to be taken down. The man begged the boy to jump, but it was of no use. The lad couldn’t be induced to jump.

The incident made me curious, and I stepped up to him and asked, “How was it that those two little fellows jumped so readily into your arms, and the other boy wouldn’t?”

“Why,” said the man, “those two boys are my children, and the other boy isn’t. He doesn’t know me.”  This is why so many will not follow God’s commands; God is not their spiritual “Father.”

“Part-time faith, like part-time jobs, can’t support you!”  



 The Reflecting Waters
John Bate

When the water of a gently flowing river is unruffled and clear, it reflects the floating clouds above and any objects overhead — flying birds, swaying trees, and on-looking scenery.  When the water is stirred and agitated, it becomes opaque and loses its power of reflection.

The faith of Christians is often similar.  When all is going well, and there are no trials, how strong and beautiful are their reflections of the things of God.  When deadened by the world’s influence or corrupted by sin, the clearness and holiness of their example disappears.  Their lifestyle and testimony no longer reflect the spiritual things of God.



Dead Faith
T. H. Milner

The Word of God tells distinctly what sort of faith dead faith is:
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:17
“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:20
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:26

That which is dead is inactive, inoperative, unproductive, and fruitless.  If your faith is not producing spiritual fruits, trusting Him for all, and regularly pointing others to God, your faith is dead or quickly heading that way.

“One does not believe one who does not live their belief!”



Christ, Our Guide
C. H. Spurgeon

When Mr. Andrew Fuller was going to preach before an association, he rode to the meeting on his horse. There had been a good deal of rain, and the rivers were very much swollen. He got to one river which he had to cross. He looked at it, and he was afraid of the strong current, as he did not know the water’s depth. A farmer, who was standing by, said, “It is okay, Mr. Fuller; you will get through it all right, sir.  The horse will keep its feet.”

Mr. Fuller went in, and the water got up to the girth and then up to the saddle, and he got uncomfortably wet. Mr. Fuller thought he had better turn round, and he was going to do so when the same farmer shouted, “Go on, Mr. Fuller. I know it is all right.”

Then Mr. Fuller said, “Then I will go on. I will go by faith.” He made it safely to the other side.

Now, sinner, it is very like that with you. You think that your sins are too deep, that Christ can never carry you over them, but I say to you, it is all right, sinner.  Trust Jesus, and he will take you through Hell itself if it were needful and possible. If you had all the sins of all the men who have ever lived, and they were all yours, if you could trust him, Jesus Christ would carry you through the current of all that sin. It is all right, man! Only trust Christ. The river may be deep, but Christ’s love is deeper. It is all right, man! Do not let the devil make you doubt my Lord and Master. Satan is a liar from the beginning and the father of lies, but my Master is faithful. Rest on him, and it is all right. You will make it safely to the other side.

“Would there be enough evidence to convince a jury that you are a Christian?”

The Bible View #814 — Service

In This Issue:
Which Part of the Wall Is Yours?
Marching Orders
Evangelizing Cannibals
Doing God’s Business

Free Daily Devotions, Bible Studies, Sunday School lessons and printed versions of The Bible View (including church bulletin insert and large print versions) are available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/ and http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/.

Volume: 814    June 14, 2021
Theme: Service

Which Part of the Wall Is Yours?
Bill Brinkworth

Nehemiah heard what God would have him do.  When he did, he was never the same, nor were those around him.
“… and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.” Nehemiah 1:2-3  

Jerusalem was the center for worship for the one God in Heaven, and that main place of worship was forsaken. If the city was in disarray, it meant that His people were not performing worship of the true God.

In Nehemiah, we read how the burden of one man changed a nation:

  • Nehemiah’s heart was broken.  He wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed over the condition God’s people had allowed their place of worship to become.
    “… when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,” Neh. 1:4
  • He confessed and recognized Israel’s and his own sin.
    “… thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.” Neh. 1:6
  • He claimed a promise (it may have come from Deut. 30:1-3) from the Word of God.
    “But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.” Neh. 1:9  
  • Then God started working. He used a king to send Nehemiah on his way (Neh. 2) to lead in the restoration of Jerusalem.
  • Nehemiah then shared his burden with Israel.  Even Nehemiah’s opposition saw that he had a concern for Israel. His burden was for the people of God to return to worshiping God.
    “When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.” Neh. 2:10
  • He did not want His people to be a bad testimony (reproach) for God!
    “Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.” Neh. 2:17 
  • He told Israel that God was in the endeavor to rebuild the main place of worship.
    “Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me…” Neh. 2:18a
  • They shared Nehemiah’s burden and went to work. From that point on, the rest of the book is dedicated to the work of Nehemiah and Israel. There is a time to get close to God and to get right with him.  Once we have heard from Him, it is time to get to the work He has for each of us — until He stops us!
    “… And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.” Neh. 2:18b

Eliashib (Neh. 3), the man of God, started rebuilding the wall, and soon others picked a spot next to him and started working.  Chapter 3 recalls who selected which area and what they did.  They all labored!

There is work that needs to be done!  Today, our country and our world have forgotten the God that has created them and given them this land. His worship has been neglected and is desperately in need of “repair.”

God’s people desperately need to have a burden similar to Nehemiah’s and help restore a nation to one that puts Him first and obeys His commandments. God’s people need to pick a spot on the “wall” closest to them and start building.   There will be opposition and conflicts as Nehemiah faced, but the work still needs to be started.

Our task is not manually rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, as it was in Nehemiah’s day.  Today’s main place of worship is in man’s heart.  Few have heard the truths from the Word of God that will change, save, and rebuild lives. The Word of God has to be placed in men’s hearts by God’s people telling them. If practiced, Its truths will change communities, cities, states, and countries. Those that are saved have heard and know those truths.  It is our responsibility to tell and share it with all that we meet.  Go to work! Go and tell!  

The saved children of God will never be reminded of their sins.  Bless God; they are all under the blood of Christ because of what He has done for us. That is not a reason to sit, soak, and not serve.  We are accountable for what we do for the cause of Christ.  Many that have gone before us have quit or refused to labor. His work needs to be rebuilt, and Christian, you and I are the only ones left to rebuild it.   It is our task to complete. If we do not tell them and be an example of how God wants His people to live, who will?

Will you tell others about Christ? Will you tell them about the One that can give them hope, save their souls, change their lives, and who is the only one that can change this world?  Do not have a moment’s delay because of worldly excuses.  Others have done that, and look what we have as a result.  There is work that needs to be done; time is short!  Pick your part of the wall and start today!

“Whatever God gives you to do, do it as well as you can.  This is the best possible preparation for what He may want you to do next.” — MacDonald



Marching Orders
Author Unknown

A preacher once confronted the Duke of Wellington. The pastor was unfriendly to foreign missions because of their expense, unproductiveness, and the work that needed to be done at home.

Fastening his eyes on the preacher, Wellington quoted the words of the Master, “… Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.” He added, “There, sir, are your marching orders!”’ The statesman and soldier had learned this lesson — that it was not the duty of a soldier to question the orders of his superior.  It should not be our business to argue the Lord’s demands but to receive orders and obey them. Go and tell, and do not question what you are told to do!

“To be glad instruments of God’s love in this imperfect world is the service to which man is called.”  — Schweitzer


Evangelizing Cannibals
Modern Missions: Their Trials and Triumphs, by Robert Young

In the 1840s, John Geddie left the pastorate of a church in Canada to take his wife and two small children to the South Sea Islands to begin a mission work. After a voyage of many miles, they arrived in the New Hebrides Islands at Aneityum. The island chain was filled with cannibals.  Over twenty crew members of a British ship had been killed and eaten just months before the Geddies arrived on the mission field.

They faced the difficulty of learning a language with no written form and the constant threat of being killed. Slowly at first, a few converts came, and then soon many more received the Gospel. Geddie continued his ministry faithfully, including translating the entire Bible into the native language and planting twenty-five churches.

Geddie labored with little help and little word from home for many of those years, but God was faithful to His servant. In the church’s pulpit Geddie pastored for so many years stands a plaque in his honor, which says, “When he landed in 1848, there were no Christians here, and when he left in 1872 there were no heathen.”

“God loves man’s lamplight better than His own great stars.”  — Tagore



Doing God’s Business
Author Unknown

As D. L. Moody walked down a Chicago street one day, he walked up to a man and asked him if he were a Christian. The fellow raised his fists and angrily exclaimed, “You mind your own business!”

“This is my business,” replied Moody.

“Well, then, you must be Moody,” the man responded.

We should all have the testimony of being burdened for the souls of others.  We should all be convinced that we have done our best to reach them with the truths from the Word of God.

The Bible View #813 — Worldliness

In This Issue:
It’s Not What It Used to Be
We Just Can’t Win
The Ice Palace Is Gone

Free Daily Devotions, Bible Studies, Sunday School lessons and printed versions of The Bible View (including church bulletin insert and large print versions) are available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/ and http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/.

Volume: 813    June 7, 2021
Theme: Worldliness

It’s Not What It Used to Be
Bill Brinkworth

I was save over 40 years ago. God has wrought much change in my life because of the Holy Spirit’s work and godly influences from devoted preachers, teachers, other Christians, and my study. Although I can see how He has altered my life, I can also see the changes in Christianity around me.  Many strong believers and ministries still exist and are doing great things for the Lord; unfortunately, many are not.

Some changes I have noticed are:

  • There is little questioning of what Bible version is used.   In the past, the KJV was the only one used and believed.  Now, it is often pushed aside, and the “newer,”  inaccurate, unpreserved versions are accepted.  When the foundation of truth, God’s preserved King James Bible for English-speaking believers, is not read and obeyed, Christianity will crumble as is happening.
    “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8  Also: I Peter 1:25.
  • Separation from worldly behavior, which the Bible condones, is often seen as “extreme.” Worldliness is not realized as a danger to spiritual growth and is not avoided. Observing many Christians in their daily activities shows they are not much different from the unsaved.
    “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” II Cor 6:17  Also: Isa. 52:11, II Cor. 7:1.
  • Sins, which ten years ago would have horrified faithful believers, now are accepted and even practiced by some Christians.  A biased media, liberal government education, and watered-down preaching have desensitized believers to sin and helped erase embarrassment and guilt from their iniquities. Many now do not even raise an eyebrow to sin around them.
    “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isa. 5:20
  • Few have little concern about living a holy life.  Many neglect to keep their “temple” from sin and even its appearance (I Thes. 5:22).  Conviction of halting unclean habits, practices, or beliefs is not common.
    “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” I Peter 1:16
  • Living by faith is foreign to many.  Trusting God to supply has been replaced by spending credit or allowing the government to meet the need.  Giving sacrificially is also rarer than it was in the past.
    “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Heb, 11:6
  • Standing up for righteousness, no matter the personal cost, is uncommon. In the past, countless Christians lost their lives rather than tolerate or approve wrong-doing when they spoke against transgressions.
    “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;” Eph 6:14
  • Many Christians avoided movies, television programs, literature, alcohol, public activities, and other influences known to weaken beliefs and threaten holy living.  There is now less separation from ungodly behavior.
    “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” II Cor. 6:17
  • Many ministries and believers saw the danger of public education encouraging young people to do and think contrary to what the Bible commands.  To remedy that influence, Christians sacrificed to start and run Christian schools.  Salaries were often non-existent or lower than minimum wage, but the minds of young people were deemed more important. 

    As the government attempted to stop the ministries, many churches were fined and legally challenged.  Some pastors and principals suffered jail time.

    Today the sacrifices of earlier believers and their discernment not to pollute young minds with godless, social engineering, and eroding of Christian values are ignored.  Little concern is exhibited in insulating student’s minds from worldly propaganda.  The “I teach my child what is right” and “My child is strong and will not be swayed by what is taught in the government schools” seem to be the common defense.  Unfortunately, worldly philosophies are overpowering the minds of Christianity’s next generation.
    “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6
  • Immoral leadership was never allowed.  Those inspiring for a position in government and business had their hopes shattered when it was discovered they were involved in dishonesty, adultery, foul language, financial impropriety, and other involvements showing they had low character and morals. 

    Today some officials and workers have been discovered to be morally corrupt yet are still allowed to continue their position.  Often this happens because the public is not made aware of their sin, or people are not concerned about the wrong-doing.
    “…   25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:  26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh…” Proverbs 1:24-27
  • Boycotting businesses and relationships that encourage or are for things God condones is rare.
    “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” I Thes.  5:22  

I am sure every previous generation of believers has also seen the erosion of Christian beliefs, morals, and biblical living during their lifetime.  Unfortunately, spiritual decay happens more often than knowing, believing, and living the way God commands. 

The spiritual decline will continue at break-neck speed if individual Christians do not stop the trend. We must make a stand to live how God commands. Personal revival and determination for a God-honoring and God-obeying life can change the downward spiritual trend. It must start with us Christians! The world is constantly changing, but God’s commandments do not. We do not have to believe or do what the unsaved world does



We Just Can’t Win
Author Unknown

Person: I want to do “X.”
Believer: You are free to do it.
Person: But, you think “X” is wrong.
Believer:  Yes.  The Bible says it’s sin.
Person. You just want to control me.
Believer: No, I do not. You are free to do what you want.
Person: But, you still think “X” is wrong.
Believer: Yes, but only because it may hurt you, and I want what is best for you.
Person: But, I still want to do “X.”
Believer:  I am not stopping you, and neither is God.
Person: But, I want you to say that “X” is good.
Believer:  I cannot say that.
Person:  Why do you hate me?”
Believer (with a very confused look on his face): Huh?

“The carnal mind seeks to create its own God who loves everyone, puts up with all matter of evil and foolishness, and gives in to the will of evil men who cry inequality!” — Deane Edward Spencer



The Ice Palace Is Gone
Edited from an article by Newton, 1725-1807

When I was a boy, I read of an ice palace built one winter in Petersburg. The walls, roof, floors, and furniture were all of ice and were finished with taste.  All that was in the ice palace could be found in a royal palace. Before being frozen, the ice had been colored so that all seemed formed of proper materials. Still, all was cold, useless, and transient.

Had the cold continued until now, the palace might have been still standing, but with the returning spring, it melted away. There should have been a stone with an inscription reminding people of what once stood on the spot, as there was no sign of it after the spring thaw.

Men build and plan as if their works were to endure forever, but their creations are often gone in time. After all their preparations and labors, there is usually no reminder of what they spent their money, passions, work, and priorities on.  They put their life’s priorities in temporal things rather than those that would last for eternity.  Their labors were spent on the wrong temporary things.

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” I John 2:15

The Bible View #812 — Sharing God’s Word

In This Issue:
Why Don’t They Understand?
We Just Deliver It!
Marching Orders
If I Don’t, Who Will?

Free Daily Devotions, Bible Studies, Sunday School lessons and printed versions of The Bible View (including church bulletin insert and large print versions) are available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/ and http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/.

Volume: 812    May 31, 2021
Theme: Sharing God’s Word


Why Don’t They Understand?
Bill Brinkworth

“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” II Cor. 4:4

After sharing the Gospel for over 40 years, I still wish there was something I could say or do that would instantly get everyone saved and on the way to Heaven. Unfortunately, there is no such way!

One can give the clearest Bible verses one knows to show another the way to Heaven, but the unsaved listener sometimes politely stares back at the soul-winner and does not appear to be stirred.  The best stories of how the Lord has changed the soul-winner’s life also often result in empty stares. Even sharing the Bible’s scariest verses about the eternal home for the lost in a tormenting Hell often does not raise an eyebrow. Scripture about standing before the final judgment for the lost at the Great White Throne Judgment does not even seem to concern them.  They just do not seem to understand.

Soul winners may have to deal with hardened hearts, not-ready-yet souls, and those ignorant of God’s truths.  Often, without knowing the reason, it seems the Holy Spirit is not involved, and He is the only one who wins a soul to Christ.

There is another very serious obstacle that keeps many from being saved.  That reason may be the root cause of previously mentioned excuses for one’s not getting saved.  It is that they are spiritually blinded.

Spiritual blindness has always been a stumbling block for one to get saved, and it is especially a barrier these days.  Perhaps a person has heard so much negativity about being saved that they have not sought it out honestly for themselves.  They heard that “salvation is forced down one’s throat” without experiencing someone aggressively showing them the way to Heaven.  Others may be turned off to being born-again as they fear they will not have a mind or will of their own and will have to do things they dislike or do not believe.  Some fear their freedoms will be stripped from them.  Many have been so entrenched and addicted to sin that they have no interest or concern for anything that would change their lifestyles.

Talking to so many spiritually blinded people can frustrate a soul-winner.  The Holy Spirit and we seem to do everything we can to alter their eternal destination from Hell with seemingly no results.  Then, when we least expect it, we have the honor to lead one “easily” to salvation.  What is the difference?

When somebody readily accepts Christ as Saviour, we do not know all the work, trials, and tribulations the Holy Spirit had done previously in their lives.  It is His work that prepares them for when a soul-winner can talk to them.  When their heart is ready, it is only the Holy Spirit that can remove their spiritual blinders.

With this in mind, we should see the importance of “sowing the seeds” of the Gospel.  One day, those thoughts, verses, and biblical principles Christians planted may grow.  On that day, the Holy Spirit may open the eyes of the sinner, and he will no longer be blind to the things of God.  It may be the day he gets saved.  It may be the beginning when He understands more of the things of God.  That is why we must keep on sowing God’s truth, because one day the “seeds” may sprout.

“Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.” Isa. 6:10
“Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.” John 12:39 



We Just Deliver It!
Bill Brinkworth

I do not know if there are newspaper delivery boys or girls anymore.  However, when I was younger, many my age would get bundles of the daily paper delivered to them, fold them, put them in their newspaper bag, and deliver them to their customers.

Every day, often first thing in the morning or after school, a bundle of local newspapers would be retrieved by the delivery person.  They would do their best, no matter the weather or time, to get the paper to people to read.

If the customer did not open and read it, his ignorance of what was happening in the world around him was not the delivery person’s fault.  The paper was made available to him by the diligence of the newspaper boy.

Likewise, it is usually not a preacher’s or person delivering God’s message fault people do not heed the biblical warnings given to them.  The spreader of the Good News obeyed what he was commanded to do from the Word of God.  He did his part.  They were the delivery “boys.”  Their efforts made sure God’s Word was put in the hands and ears of those needing to know His message.

If the listener did not heed God’s call to change his life, it is on him, not the one that pointed him to “thus saith the Lord.”  If one did not get saved after hearing God’s plan of salvation, it is on the person and is not the delivery ”boy’s” fault.  All the delivery person can do is get God’s Truths to others.  No one can make anyone saved or obedient to His commandments.

What are you doing with God’s message that was faithfully delivered to you? Did you listen intently?  Were you convicted about something that was said? Did you go to the Lord, beg for His mercy, forgiveness, and intend to do as the Holy Spirit’s heartfelt “whisper” urged you to do?  Or did the message go in one ear, and no obedience to the Holy Spirit’s calling ever followed?   If so, you have been delivered God’s good news.  What will you do with His message?

“If people shared the Gospel like they do gossip, we’d have a major revival throughout the world.”



Marching Orders
Author Unknown

The Duke of Wellington was once confronted by a preacher who was unfriendly to foreign missions because of their expense, unproductiveness, and the work that needed to be done at home.

Fastening his eyes on the preacher, Wellington quoted the words of the Master, “… Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.” He added, “There, sir, are your marching orders!”’ The statesman and soldier had learned the lesson that it was not the duty of a soldier to question the orders of his superior. 

It should not be our business to argue the Lord’s orders but simply to receive the orders and obey them. Go and tell others what the Bible teaches, and do not question what you are told to do!


If I Don’t, Who Will?
Bill Brinkworth

 “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;” Ephesians 6:14

  • I am a Christian. If I don’t tell the unsaved how to keep from spending an eternity in Hell, who will?
  • If I don’t tell them that sin is wicked and destroys our lives and those around us, who will?
  • If I don’t tell them what God says is sin, who will?
  • If I don’t tell them that abortion is against God’s commandments, who will?
  • If I don’t tell them that homosexuality is a chosen sin-style that angers God, who will?
  • If I don’t tell them that God’s way is right and all other ways are wrong, who will?
  • If I don’t tell them that God planned for man to have one wife and that both should be faithful to each other until death, who will?
  • If I don’t tell them that God has preserved His will and way in the King James Bible, so we will know exactly what He wants us to know, who will?
  • If I don’t tell them that everything that names itself “Christian” is not necessarily of God, who will?
  • If I don’t tell them that a real devil doesn’t want them to do what God wants them to, who will?
  • If I don’t tell them, it is the same devil that tempts, confuses, and deceives them so they won’t know God’s way or want to obey it, who will?
  • If I don’t show the world a proper, rewarding, God-desired lifestyle, who will?
  • If the unsaved world cannot see that I am different from them, who will show them a difference between those bound for Heaven and those bound for Hell?
  • If my life is not an example of how good God is and that He is alive and still working in His children’s lives, whose will?
  • If I don’t have the “guts” to stand up for what I believe and what God’s Word commands, who will?

As Christians, WE have many responsibilities. Instead of sitting around and not being the Christians WE should be, WE need to be a light in this sin-darkened world.  WE need to start showing and telling them — now!

The Bible View #811 — Prayer

In This Issue:
Answered Prayer
For What Do You Listen?
Just You and Jesus
Be Grateful for . . .

Free Daily Devotions, Bible Studies, and Sunday School lessons are available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/ and http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/.

 Volume: 811    May 24, 2021
Theme: Prayer

Answered Prayer
H. A. Ironsides

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7

We need to realize that our God takes a Fatherly interest in every detail of our lives and bids us bring everything to Him in prayer. Nothing is too small for His concern and nothing is too great for His power.

Years ago, the Free Kirk of Scotland was holding a church meeting in Aberdeen and worshippers were flocking in from all nearby towns to take part in the services. An aged man was on his way to the city on foot when he was overtaken by a young theological student. The two walked on in company. Despite the difference in their ages, they had much in common and so they enjoyed chatting together as they walked.

At noontime, they turned aside to a grassy field and sat down to eat the lunch, which each had brought with him, but first giving God thanks for His gracious provision. Afterward, the aged pilgrim suggested they pray together before continuing their journey. The young theologian was embarrassed, but agreed, asking that the elderly man should pray first, which he did. Addressing God as His Father in all simplicity, the older man poured out his heart in thanksgiving, and then uttered three specific requests.

He reminded the Lord that he was very hard of hearing, and if he did not get a seat up in the front, he would get little out of the sermon that evening.  He asked that a seat be kept for him near enough to the pulpit, so he could get the benefit of the message.  Secondly, he told the Lord that his shoes were badly worn and not fit for city streets.  He pleaded for a new pair, though he had not the “silver” to purchase them.  Last of all, he asked for a place to stay for the night, as he knew no one in Aberdeen and did not know where to look for accommodations.

By this time, the student’s eyes were wide open as he looked upon the old man with mingled disgust and amazement, thinking it the height of impertinence to burden God with such trivialities. When his turn came to pray, he delivered an eloquent, carefully composed discourse, which amazed his older companion, who saw in it nothing that showed the young man’s needs to God.

They reached the church just as the people were crowding in. It was soon clear that there was no longer even standing room left. The student thought, “Now we shall see what becomes of his presumptuous prayers. He will see that God has more to do than to use His time saving a seat for a poor, old countryman.

However, someone came out, and the old man was just able to squeeze inside the door, where he stood with his hand up to his ear, trying to hear what was going on. Just then, a young lady in a front pew turned and saw him. She called a sexton and said, “My father told me to hold our pew for him until time for the sermon, then, if he did not get here, to give it to someone else. Evidently, he has been detained. Will you please go back and bring up that old man who has his hand to his ear and is standing just inside the door?” In a few moments, petition number one was fully answered.

Now, in Scotland, some folks always kneel for prayer as the minister leads.  Others reverently rise to their feet. The old man was the kneeling kind, and the young woman stood. As she looked down, she could not help observing the worn soles on the feet of the kneeling worshipper. Her father was a shoe-dealer! At the close of the service, she delicately approached the subject of the need of a better pair of shoes and asked if she might take him to her father’s store, though closed for the night, and present him with a pair. Her offer was accepted as graciously as it was made. Petition number two was answered.

At the store, the lady inquired where he was to stay for the night. In all simplicity, he answered, “I dinna know yet. My Father has a room for me, but He has not told me whar it is.”

Puzzled for a moment, she exclaimed, “0h, you mean your Father — God! Well, I believe we have that room for you. We were saving our guestroom for the Rev. Blank, but a telegram came this morning saying he could not come, so now you must just come home with me and be our guest.” And so, the third petition was granted.

The next day the student inquired as to the outcome of the prayer and was astonished to find that God had heard and answered each plea. He is never too busy to heed the cries of His needy people. What we all require is more confidence in His love and more earnestness and directness in prayer.

“Why wish upon a star, when you can pray to the one who created them.”



For What Do You Listen?
Robert G. Lee

A naturalist, walking with his friend through the busy streets of a great city, paused and asked, “Do you hear the cricket?”

“Of course not,” laughed his friend. “You could never hear a cricket with all this roar of traffic.”

“But, I hear a cricket,” persisted the naturalist, and, turning over a stone, he uncovered the insect.

“Did you hear that cricket chirping above the noise of the street?” asked his friend in astonishment.

“Certainly,” said the naturalist. “I spend my time listening to nature, whether I am in the forest, the field, or the town. Everyone hears that for which he is listening.” Taking a coin from his pocket, he dropped it on the pavement, and each passer-by put his hand in his pocket to see if he was the one who had dropped it.

For what are you listening? God or gold? Your ears are tuned to listen for something, even as the receiving set is tuned to receive the program from a distant radio station. God’s ears are tuned to hear our prayers. Are ours tuned to hear His commands?

“Pray without ceasing, because Satan is preying without ceasing.”



Just You and Jesus
Bill Brinkworth

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” I Timothy 2:5

What wonderful news it must have been to the Jews, who were used to Old Testament worship when they first learned they could go to God themselves in prayer. Before Jesus’ death on the cross, they had to have priests go to God as middlemen for them.  After the sacrificial death of Christ, they could enter the “Holiest of Holies,” the closest place any could be to God, by themselves through their prayers (I Timothy 2:1).

However, then and even today, there are still many that believe they cannot go to God themselves.  These folks still, if they realize it or not, are attempting to worship the way it was done in Old Testament times.  Some go to a “priest” in a confessional and tell him their sins.  With his words, and doing what he tells them to do, they believe he can order their sins forgiven. They trust the “priest” to be their mediator between them and God. Some pray to the dead, some even deceased biblical characters, in hopes that a “saint” can be the middleman between them and God to have their sins forgiven or requests granted.

Sincere as those people are, what they are doing is contrary to the teaching of the Scriptures. I Timothy 2:5 tells us there is only one mediator between us and God, and that is Jesus Christ.

We no longer have to present a perfect, unblemished animal sacrifice for the high priest to take through the temple’s curtain to the Holiest of Holies, as in the Old Testament.  When Christ died, God ripped the veil in two from the top to the bottom.  Now any believer can go to God in prayer through Jesus Christ.

Telling a person, be it priest, parent, or any other person, one’s sins will not remove the consequences of one’s iniquity from God’s memory.  Those people may want to help, but they too are sinners in need of the Mediator.  Going to anyone else other than Christ to meet a need in one’s life or receive help from God will not result in God answering one’s prayers. The only one that is qualified to go to the Father on our behalf is His Son, Jesus. He is the only mediator between God and man.

“Well, my friend, today we have a Mediator.  The Lord Jesus Christ has come.  He has one hand in the hand of Deity because He is God.  He can save to the uttermost because He is God, and He has paid the price for our salvation.  He is a Mediator because He has also become a man.  He can hold my hand; He understands me.  He understands you.  You can go to Him, and He will not be upset with you.  He will not lose His temper or strike you or hurt you in any way… He still loves you and wants to put His arm around you.”
 — J. Vernon McGee



Be Grateful for . . .

What God has already done for you!
“O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.” Psalm 105:1

For His mercy in not giving us what we deserve.
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Ps. 118:29

For everything!
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thes. 5:18

“Count your blessings, not your problems.”  

The Bible View #810 — Church Members

In This Issue:
Every Church Has Them
What Can Keep People from Church
The Church of His Own Opinion

Volume: 810   May 17, 2021
Theme: Church Members

Every Church Has Them
Bill Brinkworth

Every church has its good and bad members. The church that John was writing to in III John had several of both categories, I am sure. However, the apostle wrote of three members in his letter.

Two of the members were good representations of what a Christian should be. Gaius was the “well-beloved” (III John:1). He was most likely a friendly person who many loved. Many reports from the church told John how Gaius was a blessing to the church family (III John:3, 6) and how the man attended to the needs of other Christians (III John:5). It was evident by his concern for the brethren that he truly loved the members of his church.

Another blessing in the church was Demetrias.  John also heard good things said about him (III John:12). These two were an encouragement to the apostle’s heart. It is always good and encouraging to hear how people get saved, get their hearts and lived changed by the Holy Spirit’s work, and do much for the cause of Christ and the people of God.

People like those two encourage others by their proof of love for the family of God. They are sometimes part of the reason many stay faithful in church. However, even if we are saved, we still have sinful flesh to contend with, and there will often be “stinkers” in every church. In this church, there was one like that. His name was Diotrephes.

Diotrephes had a terrible testimony in the eyes of others. Instead of showing the spirit of meekness the other two good members showed, this man exhibited improper Christian behavior. He was known for always wanting recognition (III John:9). 

I can imagine Diotrephes was one of those that always had something to say. He was the one that got much of the attention and the glory. He refused to accept John the Apostle and any missionaries John sent to the church (III John:10). This discontented man did all he could to talk poorly of John and his work. Diotrephes even had people kicked out of the church that showed charity to anyone Paul sent to the ministry.

This type of man ruins the testimony of any ministry. When man tries to get the glory, which Diotrephes was attempting to receive, the Holy Spirit is grieved. The work for Christ in a ministry can come to a screeching halt. That is one reason many once-thriving churches are now spiritually dead and doing little for the cause of Christ. Men like this man, unfortunately, often become an excuse for many leaving a church. 

In every ministry, there are two types. The good workers are the light in this dark world. They make the church a Christian family. The evil (III John:11) should be ignored and not be the reason anyone leaves a church. If one quits because of a “Diotrephes,” one can be assured that the Holy Spirit is not involved in the decision. If you have one or more of “Diotrephes” in your church, do not leave. Get your eyes and ears off them, and keep them on the Saviour. He will never let you down, and He is the reason you should attend anyway!

“You are not too bad to go to church.  You are not too good to stay out!”  
— Author Unknown


What Can Keep People from Church
Bill Brinkworth

“Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be ableto stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11

Daily the Christian must prepare himself to ward off the wiles, or tricks, the devil has for him. Satan’s stratagem is to do all he can to keep us from obeying God. One area he prompts us to be disobedient in is for us not to attend church.  However, we cannot blame all our disobedience on him. Our pride, laziness, and sinful nature also keep us from being faithful in attendance.

Some of the popular excuses in keeping many from faithfully attending church are:

Church “hopping”: Church attendance is a must for Christian growth. God has raised up a pastor of a local church to minister to your needs. When you miss church, you miss what God had for you that day. When you are a church member and go to this church today and another one next week, your “hopping” around keeps you from attending the church God has for you.

Discontentment: If God originally pointed you to that church to join and attend, you need to stay there until He tells you to move! “I’m not happy with the preacher” or “That church is too cold” are not excuses not to attend. The question should be, “Does God want me to attend there?”

Hurt feelings: All churches are made up of humans. All humans are sinners. Therefore, there is no perfect church! People will accidentally or purposely say the wrong things. Everyone gets their feelings hurt sometimes. I am sure you have hurt other’s feelings. Again, the question should be, “Did God call me here?” If He did, hurt feelings are not a legitimate reason to leave a church.

Sin: When people are purposely sinning against God, they most often do not want to be reminded of it. Where will they be reminded of it? In church. That is often why they will not attend.  However, to get one’s freedom back from the control of sin, one should hear the Word of God, not avoid it.

Conviction: When the Holy Spirit of God urges people to halt their sin, instead of obeying His small “voice,” they avoid it by keeping out of church. Sometimes they even join another church, where watered-down preaching does not remind them of what God has already spoken to them about.

Lack of understanding of the things of God. Since they do not read their Bible and do not know what it teaches, when they hear hard, convicting preaching from the Bible, they stay far away from it.  Ignorance of the Word of God keeps many from attending a strong, Bible-believing church.

Legitimate reasons, such as sickness, vacations, or work. Sometimes good excuses keep people from attending church for a week or so. That is understandable and happens. However, because they miss, it is easier to miss twice, then three times, then it is months since they attended the ministry. Breaking a routine of consistent church attendance is a subtle way of stopping faithful attendance.

Pride: “No one shook my hand,” “They are such an unfriendly church,” or “No one is going to tell me what to do.” These thoughts and others reflect that the sin of pride is involved.  Pride keeps many out of church.

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25

“Don’t wait until six strong men have to carry you to church in a casket.  Go when you can walk in.”  — Author Unknown



The Church of His Own Opinion
Bill Brinkworth

“Well, I need to get up.  It is Sunday.  I need to go to church,” he thought, as he rubbed his eyes. He struggled to make the first move of the day out of bed.

“But then again, why do I have to go?  God is everywhere.  So why can’t I worship Him here or on the lake?  I know, I can take the boat and go fishing.  It will be okay with God.  I’ll just talk to Him out in the boat and admire all He has made.”

The convicting voice of the Holy Spirit whispered, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is…” (Heb. 10:25a).

That fleeting remembrance of the verse soon left as the half-slumbering sluggard drifted in and out of sleep. Minutes later, he again awoke and continued his thoughts.  “Besides, the preacher is not always right anyway.  He thinks the Bible is the only source of knowing God’s way.  Why, it’s just a book and probably has a lot of mistakes. What does he know?  Besides, I’m a good person, and I think I know what is right. I don’t think you have to go to church every time. I don’t think God wants me to stay away from everything bad.  I know He wants me to have fun sometimes. He probably doesn’t expect me to be perfect.”

Again the soft voice of the Holy Spirit put in the contemplator’s mind a verse that was preached the last time he was in church, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

The fleeting reminder of the verse did nothing to change the opinion of the dozing man. Another thought was chased around by the man’s logic. “Yeah, I’m a good person.  I don’t need the preaching and Bible reading like those other folks. I do a lot of good things, and God knows about them. As long I’m not as bad as the others, I’m sure it’s okay with God.”

The Holy Spirit wanted to shouts, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Rom. 3:23), but He did not think the man would listen.  He decided He would try one more time to speak to the hardening heart, “… There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Rom. 3:10b).

The verse was received in the half-slumbering mind, but it, too, was ignored. “Well, if I don’t go to church, I can save some money by not putting it in the offering plate. Besides, the preacher just wants my money.  That church has got more than enough.”

Immediately, the Holy Spirit thought of the verse about how not tithing is robbing from God (Malachi 3:8-10).  Still, He reasoned, “Why should I tell him. He’s ignored everything I tried to tell him already.  He will just rationalize it somehow.  Probably the old excuse, ‘Well, that’s just an Old Testament verse and not for today.’  He has decided to do what he wants and will not obey anyway.” The Holy Spirit was silent to the slumberer and spoke no more.

Ten more minutes of dozing continued until finally, the man made another move to get out of his bed.  He already had formulated his plans for the day. He would walk the dog, get breakfast, and hook up the boat and head out to the lake.

One more local Church of My Own Opinion had just let out, but there would be millions of them meeting all over the world.  It was the most popular denomination.  As with most of the meetings, the Holy Spirit’s voice was not wanted to be heard, so He was likewise silent in most of their “services”.  He was very grieved (Eph. 4:30).

“I wonder why people change churches all the time.  What difference does it make which one you stay home from?”  — Author Unknown

The Bible View #809 — Contentment

Don’t miss the daily devotions at http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/dvblog/


In This Issue:
It’s Not Natural
We Can be Content
Be Content
The Two Chimneys
Blind, but Content
Paul’s Advice to Christians

Volume: 809    May 10, 2021
Theme: Contentment


It’s Not Natural
Morning and Evening, Spurgeon (Edited)

“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11

The words in Philippians 4:11 show us that contentment is not a natural propensity of man. Covetousness, discontent, and murmuring are as natural to man as thorns are to the soil.

We need not sow thistles and brambles.  They come up naturally enough because they are indigenous to earth, and so we need not teach men to complain.  They find fault fast enough without any education.

The precious things of the earth, however, must be cultivated. If we would have wheat, we must plow and sow it.  If we want flowers, there must be a garden and all the gardener’s care.

Contentment is one of the flowers of Heaven, and if we would have it, it must be cultivated.  It will not grow in us naturally.   The new nature (II Cor. 5:17) can produce it.  Even then, we must be especially careful and watchful that we maintain and cultivate the grace which God has sown in us.

Paul says, “I have learned… to be content” as much as to say, he did not know how at one time. It cost him some pains to attain the mystery of that great truth. No doubt he sometimes thought he had learned and then broke down.  When at last he had acquired it and could say, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content,” he was an old, grey-headed man, close to the borders of the grave — a poor prisoner shut up in Nero’s dungeon at Rome.

We might be willing to endure Paul’s infirmities and share the cold dungeon with him if we, too, might by any means attain his good degree. Do not indulge the notion that you can be contented with learning or learn without discipline. It is not a power that may be exercised naturally, but a science to be acquired gradually. We know this from experience. Brother, hush that murmuring, natural though it be, and continue to be a diligent pupil in the College of Content.



We Can be Content
Watson, 1696 (Edited)

If we should put some men in a job that they are not skilled in, how unfit would they be?  Put a farmer to drawing pictures, and what strange work would he produce?  Usually, he would be out of his expertise.

Take an artist that is exact in his use of colors and put him to the plow or set him to planting and grafting trees, and he most likely would not do it properly.  It was not his skill and would not be done right.

Bid a worldly man to live by faith and to be content will be expecting him to do something he has no skill in.   He will not excel.

To live contented upon God’s provision and promises is a way of living which “… flesh and blood hath not revealed it…”  (Mat. 16:17).    However, many of God’s children who have learned to trust Him are content in the state they are allowed to be in (Phil. 4:11).  They are pleased with what God has provided or allowed them to experience.  Their training and history with God’s help have taught them to be satisfied in the faithful hands of their Master.

“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”  I Timothy 6:8



Be Content
Watson, 1696

The best way to be contented is to believe that the condition is best which God carved out for you. If God had seen it fit for us to have more, we would have had it.  His wisdom chooses the best for us.

Perhaps we could not manage great wealth.  Having all this world can offer includes great temptations that could be our demise. What many see as the answer to their woes can bring great loss and unhappiness.
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11

“Enough is an abundance to the wise.”



The Two Chimneys
Bowden

Two chimneys stood near each other on separate houses.   One was high and therefore very conspicuous.  The other short, just jutting above the roof.

“What a contemptible structure you are,” said the tall one, looking down disdainfully on his neighbor, the short chimney.

“I know,” said the short smokestack.  “I am but a very humble thing.”

“You need to look up very high to see my top,” boasted the tall chimney.

“Yes,” said the shorter one.

“Why, you are hardly worth the name of a chimney at all,” remarked the other.  “You are so short!”

“I don’t pretend to be greater than I am, though I am just as high as I ought to be for my purpose,” replied the little chimney.

“As high as you ought to be? Well, that is funny.  Why you are little better than a mere hole in the roof,” said the tall one with a loud laugh.

“It isn’t becoming that all chimneys should be of one height,” said the little one modestly.  “It is fitting that some should be high, like you, and some low down, like me.  Our duties are the same.   We are pretty much equal for our use, whether tall or short.”

The morning light showed the short chimney smoking as usual. Where was the tall one? Alas!  A storm that had come suddenly during the night swept it from its lofty place because it was so exposed.   It lay now only a heap of bricks on the ground.

“How thankful I am,” said the little chimney, “that I was so low.  Had I been high, like my poor neighbor, I might, and no doubt would have shared his unhappy fate.” The little chimney was content and grateful he was what he was made.
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Prov. 16:18

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”  Hebrews 13:5



Blind, but Content
Bill Brinkworth

Because of poor medical treatment, Fanny Crosby lost her sight at a very young age. Although the life-altering blindness changed her life, the writer of over 9,000 hymns accepted her condition and did not let it dominate her life.  Even at eight years old, her content attitude was evident in a short poem she wrote:

Oh, what a happy soul I am,
Although I cannot see!
I am resolved that in this world,
Contented, I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy
That other people don’t,
To weep and sigh because I’m blind
I cannot, and I won’t!

When someone asked William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army,  his great secret to happiness, he replied, “I never said ‘no’ to the Lord.”



Paul’s Advice to Christians
Bill Brinkworth

In closing his letter to the Hebrew Christians, Paul left them with seven pieces of advice dealing with a Christian’s social duties. They were:

  • To love other Christians (Hebrews 13:1).
  • To be nice to strangers, especially because we do not know that when we do, we may be entertaining angels (Hebrews 13:1). This informs a Bible reader that angels are real and that we may contact them more often than realized. Because we may entertain them “unawares,” the art depicting them with wings and halos is not accurate. If they had those features, we could distinguish them from other people. However, if they looked like normal men, we would never know if we had communicated with them. You may even come in contact with an angel today!
  • To be concerned about the difficulties others are going through as if they were your trials (Hebrews 13:3).
  • To remember, marriage is the “honourable” thing, whereas adultery and fornication (sexual relations without being married) are not (Hebrews 13:4).
  • To be content with what you have and not to covet the things of others (Hebrews 13:5).
  • To be respectful and obey those with leadership responsibilities over you in your church (Hebrews 13:7, 17). It is the preachers, teachers, and other church leaders who God uses to minister to us. They have to answer to God for how they lead those under them. The least we can do is obey their leadership.
  • To not fall for false doctrine (Hebrews 13:9). Study the Scriptures and evaluate if what you are hearing is taught in the Word of God. If it is not, stay with what the Word of God teaches!

Paul felt this advice would benefit the early Christians if they would heed his counsel. Over two thousand years later, it is still excellent advice for one to follow.

The Bible View #807 — Godly Advice

In This Issue:
Getting Advice
Advice on Handling People Problems
Advice on Handling Difficulties

Volume: 807    April 26, 2021
Theme: Godly Advice

Getting Advice
Bill Brinkworth

Sometimes I am surprised where some people get their “wisdom.” I remember asking a young lady, “Why would you go to your peers and ask them about dating?”

I turned to the person giving the advice, “Have you ever dated?”

“No,” the adviser replied. “My parents won’t let me yet.”

Back to the person asking the advice, I commented, “So, she has no experience in the area you are asking about, yet you would have made life-changing decisions based on what she suggested you do.”

She shrugged, “Probably.”

“Wouldn’t it be wiser if you went to a person with experience in the area you need help?” All I got that time was a nod. “And who could you go to that has that experience and is personally interested in helping you with no strings attached?”

She thought about it and replied, “Well, my parents.”

It makes more sense to go to someone who has been through the trials you face when getting advice. As the teenager in the above account, there is an entire world going to the inexperienced or poor examples for advice.

Seeking wisdom from poor sources is not limited to young folks. Adults are far guiltier. There are people following marriage advice from television-celebrity psychologists, whose own marriages are on the rocks. Other celebrities give out advice, who on the same show they are giving counsel, have the psychologists trying to help them with their problems. People unquestionably follow their suggestions.

Many go to friends, television celebrities, newspaper columnists, psychologists, and even fortune-tellers for answers. The people that are relied on for truth and wisdom often have lives as confused as those seeking guidance and who are also without solutions to life’s problems.

It is wiser to have one that made the right choices and decisions in the past to help guide the way, not one that is still stumbling to find the right solutions themselves. For Christians, we have a good reliable, always right source for advice. Our never wrong, raised-a-million-zillion-children counsel can come from God. Through prayer and the scriptures, He can direct our paths in the right way. His directions are never wrong.

He loves us so much, and because He knows we will face many difficulties through our lifetime, He left a guidebook to help us through our lives. This map-through-life is the Bible. One entire book is even dedicated to sound advice. It is the book of Proverbs.

Throughout the Bible’s pages, one will find advice on who and who not to marry, how to get friends, how to know for sure that your eternal future will be in Heaven, how to handle anger, how to be successful, and much, much more. If the Word of God were read and followed, psychologists, high school counselors, marriage counselors, and many other advisers would be looking for work.

The only way this wisdom can be extracted, however, is by reading it yourself! To whet your appetite for reading the Word of God, here is some of the Bible’s advice:

  • Advice on who to marry and who to befriend: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” II Corinthians 6:14
  • Advice on getting friends: “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24
  • Advice on how to get to Heaven: “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” John 3:3
  • Advice on getting the right advice: “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 24:6
  • Advice about listening to advice: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” Proverbs 12:15
  • Advice on how to handle a hostile person: “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
  • Advice on keeping out of trouble: “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” I Thessalonians 5:22

Unlike fortune-tellers, television hosts, marriage counselors, and even parents, God’s advice is never wrong. Obeying God’s guidance will always guarantee counsel that is best for us. We may not always like what we read, but Father knows best. He has led many before us through the same trials and tribulations we may be facing. All the Christian needs to get His direction is to read it for themself in the Word of God and then follow it.



Advice on Handling People Problems
Bill Brinkworth

 “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” Matthew 18:15-17

Everybody has had a problem with somebody sometime. What does the Bible say to do when you are offended? It does not suggest starting a smear campaign and tell everybody your side of the situation to get them on “your side.”   That usually gets a bunch of people bitter at the other person. When you do that and convincingly get that person to think you are right and the other wrong, you are bringing the innocent listener “shame and folly” (Proverbs 18:13) for making them judge a situation without hearing the other side.

The Bible also does not say, when another has offended you, to hold it all in. That often results in one having a severe case of “bitterness” against that person. Waiting around for him to come to you and getting it right is also not on the Bible’s recommended list of ways to handle problems.

It does say, if one is a Christian, to go to the other person. Many times, that person may not even know they have offended you. Going to the person one-on-one will often solve the problem. When you go to that person, you may discover:

  • He did not mean it the way you understood it.
  • That you heard it wrong!
  • An alternative way of looking at a matter.
  • That you were 100% wrong!

I have often been embarrassed when I talked with a person and found that my being upset was not justified. It takes courage to face a person when they have offended you, and they may not always accept your confronting them. That is why the next step to get the problem solved is found in Matthew 18:17-18.

There may be a time to settle the differences between you and another person, you may have to bring an unbiased person with you to be a witness in further communications with the one that offended you. Rarely, it may even be necessary to take the matter in front of the church if the Christian is a member of your church.

People shudder at the Bible’s way of handling a problem. Most do not address the situation correctly. It may be one reason there are many disgruntled people in churches. It is also why many “… soweth discord among brethren” (Prov. 6:19) and why there are so many trying to live with bitterness.

Follow God’s advice in solving a problem between one another. Our heavenly Father knows best; He has raised billions of children!

“Sin hurts!  Once burned, twice learned — hopefully” — Author Unknown



Advice on Handling Difficulties
Bill Brinkworth

James, who some believe to be the brother of Jesus, gives practical advice in this writing. One of the most helpful and oft-experienced situations for all people, including believers, is discussed here. The “good” side of going through difficulties is examined in James 1:2-6.

Here James identifies the difficulties, trials, and enticements all face as “divers temptations.” Although most initially shudder at even the thought of going through different problems, James exposes what can positively be gained by going through our individual “valleys.”  Instead of agreeing how terrible it is to have problems, James encourages Christians to “… count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;” (James 1:2).

How could anyone be joyful when facing joblessness, heartaches, financial problems, family problems, or the thousands of difficulties we all face in our lifetime? James tells us we can be “joyful” because:

  • The trying of our faith during the hard times builds our patience (James 1:3). Since there usually is not much we can do but wait until the trial passes, we learn to wait patiently and trust the Lord during those hard times.
  • The practical lessons on patience we learn build a good Christian into a “tested” believer. Most of us have some person in our life that we have observed as more spiritual than ourselves. We are often amazed at how calm and patient they are when they face difficulties. They did not wake up one morning and decide to be patient for the rest of their lives. They got that way because they went through hard times, got close to God, and saw that His help sufficed to deliver and guide them. The next time they faced an unfavorable situation, they remembered all He had done in the past and did not get frazzled. Their learned patience (James 1:4) built their character and trust in the Lord.
  • When we go through a “temptation,” we go to the Lord in prayer more than we ever have before. In doing so, we get closer to the Lord, see how he supplies wisdom as to how to handle our trial (James 1:5), and have the potential to have our faith increased.

Trials and tribulations are not something anyone desires to go through, but after going through many of them and drawing close to God during those times, we can learn that they are not so bad. The valley of “temptation” can be joyous, as our God guides us through the treacherous pathways.

“…for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10