2023 | THE BIBLE VIEW

The BIBLE VIEW #928 — Worldliness

In This Issue:
Why They Never Matured
Terrible Goods for Sale
The Ice Palace Is Gone
It’s All Vanity
Shaky Ground

Volume: 928 October 16, 2023
Theme: Worldliness

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/BibleView928.pdf. Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

Why They Never Matured
Bill Brinkworth

“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” I Cor. 3:1-3

The church in Corinth was often rebuked for its lack of spirituality. As much as Paul the Apostle wanted to preach and teach the harder and more spiritual principles of living the Christian life, he could not because of their immaturity.

Many may have been saved for a longer time, but they still had not learned or practiced the basic spiritual concepts they had been taught. Paul had to repeat and reteach principles they should have known and incorporated into their lives.

Why did they not grow in the things of the Lord? Why were they still at the same spiritual level as some who had just been saved?

It was not their intellectual level that was holding them back from growth. It was their carnal trust in their leaders rather than Christ Himself. They had good, godly leaders, but their trust was more in the man who had taught them the principles of God than faithfully following the One the preacher spoke of!
“For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” I Cor. 3:4-7

They boasted and were more proud that they had had Paul or Apollos as their preacher than that they were Christians and were following all the principles taught by Christ Himself. Their carnality and immaturity were because they were not following Christ!

Today, similar carnality abounds! Instead of obeying all they read from God’s Word, people choose to give earthly leaders and religions more credence than the Bible’s truths.

When asked if a person is going to Heaven, one often hears, “I’m Catholic” or “I’m Methodist.” Sometimes, one hears, “I went to Billy Graham’s church,” or another popular preacher.

We all need to attend a good, Bible-believing, Bible-obeying local church faithfully. Still, one must never put their faith in any leader, church, or even their teachings, especially if they do not align with God’s Holy Word. Just being a member of a Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Catholic, Hindu, or Islamic group and following their teachings alone also will not save anyone, nor will anyone ever grow spiritually!

That kind of “religion” only creates more carnal followers. That is why this world is full of religionists and baby “Christians” rather than God-obeying Christ-followers. Grow in a good ministry, but most importantly, be a Christ-follower!
“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I [Paul] have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” I Cor. 3:10-11

“Ah, vain world! Thou art a poor reward for the loss of Christ and Heaven. While Satan is pleasing thy fancy with the rattles and baubles of the Earth, his hand is on thy treasure, robbing thee of that which alone is necessary. It is more necessary to be saved than to be in Hell.”
— Curnall, 1617-1679

Terrible Goods for Sale
Downaine, 1644

Like a subtle merchant, the world offers us a good sample of bad wares and outwardly presents the best end of the stuff to our view. The innermost and middle parts of what was offered are usually coarse and unsatisfactory. What we are tempted to partake in is slight and unworthy. What we end up with is counterfeit and purposely falsified. We find all this out when it is often too late to change our minds, and a life is often ruined by what the unsaved world offered.

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

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

As a boy, I read of an ice palace built one winter at Petersburg. The walls, the roof, the floors, the furniture were all of ice and were finished with taste. All that was in the ice palace could be found in a royal palace. The ice, while in the state of water, had been previously colored so that all seemed formed of proper materials to the eye, but all was cold, useless, and transient.

Had the cold continued until now, the palace might have still stood, but with the returning spring, it melted away. There should have been one stone in the building with an inscription reminding people of what once had 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 time passes, and they are often gone. After all their preparations and labor, there is usually no reminder of what they spent their money, passions, labors, and priorities on. They put their life’s priorities on temporal things rather than those that would last for eternity. Their priorities 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

It’s All Vanity
Edited from an article by Szvinnock, 1673

Men in the valley of poverty, disgrace, or pain often think that if they were on the top of a certain mountain, they would be far above their current position and be in a better place. They think if they were there they would have riches, honors, fewer problems, more delights, and would be happier.

King Solomon had gotten to the top of that mountain and realized what he had done to get there. It was there he said, “Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” Eccl. 2:11. The things of this world can only bring temporary satisfaction.

“Those who go to the limit to enjoy all the things that the devil provides in this world find that the way in the end is hard. For the moment, sin appears to be the thing that you need, and there is a thrill in sin, but the thrill soon destroys the sinner, and it becomes a burden and a heartache.”
— Dr. Harold Sightler

Shaky Ground
Spurgeon

In Chile, where the ground is subject to frequent shocks from earthquakes, the houses are built of low height and are unenduring structures. It is useless to dig deep foundations and pile up high walls where the earth is so unstable. It would be foolish to build something that would stand for ages, when the whole edifice might be in ruins in a week.

Herein, we read a lesson as to our worldly schemes and possessions. This poor, fleeting world deserves not that we should build our hopes and joys upon it as though they could last us long. We must treat it as treacherous soil and build but lightly on it.

“Let us use worldly things as wise pilgrims do their walking staves and other necessaries they pack for their journey. So long as they help us forward in our way, let us use them and accordingly esteem them. But, if they become troublesome hindrances and cumbersome burdens, let us leave them behind us, or cast them away.” —Lowname, 1644.

The BIBLE VIEW #927 — Salvation

In This Issue:
“She’s Going Down!”
“The Walking Dead,”
“How Does the Bible Tell One to Be Sved?”

Volume: 927 October 9, 2023
Theme: Salvation

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/BibleView927.pdf. Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

“She’s Going Down!”
Bill Brinkworth

Unbeknown to the S. S. Human Race, she was sailing her last voyage. In the misty darkness, at around 12 bells, the mighty ship struck a partially sunken shipping container that had previously strayed off a cargo ship.

The mighty vessel had been struck mid-ship, and there was a gashing, gushing hole on her bottom. The incoming seawater could not be stopped, nor could the tear in the ship’s metal belly be covered. Sea water was pouring in faster than all the bilge pumps could handle. She was riding deeper in the water and was slowly sinking.

Those in the low-rate berths were the first to experience the danger. Their cabins filled up with water quickly. Some drowned without even waking from their slumber. Many who did escape found that the passageways were blocked with floating debris and could not get out. They, too, drowned.

On the more luxurious upperlevels, a different situation occurred. They heard the warning alarms. They listened to the screams and heard of the disasters in the lower-class levels, but most were unalarmed, as most assumed they would be rescued.

“Why, we are important people in our society. Some of us are leaders in our country and are essential to our nation’s well-being. Others are wealthy and mean so much to the companies and foundations they run and support. We are all well-educated and have far more degrees and honors than most. Many are the elite and have done nothing but good to all around them. We are nothing like those poor, ignorant folks below deck. When the danger we are in is heard of, all effort will be made to keep us from the tragedy those other poor brutes below deck have faced,” was the thinking of those in the upper decks.

However, help never came in time. The vessel expelled its last breath of air and succumbed to the water’s pull. She went down with no survivors. The liner went down with all aboard: the poor, the rich, the ignorant, the intellectuals. All perished on the sinking ship.

Humankind is also on a similar “ship.” It has always gone down morally, spiritually, and socially since the first sin in the Garden of Eden. It is destined to perish. Finances, knowledge, good works, kindness, man-made religion, or goodness can never plug its leaking hull. Although it is still above water, it is riding lower in the sea of sin and shame daily. One day, it will be too late for anyone to be rescued from the doomed vessel.

However, right now, there is an opportunity for any to be rescued from her sinking demise if they do what God requires. God hates all of the sins we are guilty of, but He does not wish any to perish.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9

Many years ago, God sent His only Son, Jesus, to be a sacrifice for all of man’s sins if individuals would accept what Jesus had done for them. All that is needed to escape the sinking, Hell-bound “ship” is to acknowledge and confess to the Father the truth that we are sinners and are headed for a hot, lonely, eternal torment. After recognizing our sinful situation, the only life raft available can be boarded by trusting that Jesus’ death was the only payment God will accept for our sins.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Rom. 3:23

No good works, kindness, good living, religion, or anything we can do can rescue us from our doom. Only calling upon Jesus to save us will get us off the sinking “vessel.”
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Eph. 2:8-9

A “savior” rescues a person from harm, but no person can save anyone from eternal destruction. Only a “Saviour,” who is God, can do that.

The only real Saviour is Jesus Christ, and He can save anyone from eternal damnation. Trust Christ alone as your Saviour to keep you from the Hell many on the S.S. Human Race will one day experience.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13

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

The Walking Dead
Bill Brinkworth

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” Ephesians 2:1-3

Is it possible to be dead, still walking, and appear alive? Could scenes from the old horror movies where the dead staggered through the villages be close to reality?

Of course not! When a person is dead, they either go to Heaven or Hell. However, it is possible to walk, talk, see, hear, smell, touch, and be spiritually dead.

When sin first entered humanity through Adam and Eve’s sin of disobedience, something terrible happened to them. God commanded Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He told them (Genesis 2:17) that if they did eat of the fruit, “… thou shalt surely die.”

They disobeyed God and ate the fruit, but it is clear that they did not die right away. They talked, walked, hid, and had children. Was God not telling the truth? No, God cannot lie. Eventually, their bodies died. They are definitely not walking the streets today. However, something more important in them did “die” long before their bodies gave their last breath.

When God made Adam, he became a living soul (Genesis 2:7). When sin was committed, that part of him “died.” He still walked, talked, and lived life, but not to the fullest because the most important part of him, his soul, became separated from God – a type of death. From then on, every person born was born separated from God. They laugh, cry, talk, and sometimes live long lives, but spiritually, they are far from God and are “dead”!

All are the “walking dead” until that dead part of them is made “alive.” When people realize they are guilty of breaking God’s heart and commandments with their sin and trust that Christ’s death on the cross is the only payment God will accept to cover their sins, they can be saved from Hell.

John 3:3 calls salvation being “born again.” When one is born again, he is a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17). The new person should see, think, talk, and live differently.

The famous hymn, “Amazing Grace,” touts this revived difference in the changed person when it says, “… I once was blind, but now I see.” A born-again person has a new, spiritual birth, and many things in his life change. He sees and experiences life quite differently.

It is possible to be alive but missing one of the most important facets of life: a soul in fellowship with God. Without that living part, there may be laughter but no joy, and sight but no understanding of the danger to which one is headed. There may be hearing, but only heeding the voice of the world and the wicked, and thinking only of themselves and certainly not what God desires of them.

Just as the deaf or blind are certainly alive but missing some of what life has to offer, so are the “walking dead.” Those that are not born-again are the walking dead. Are you born-again or one of the spiritually unborn?

“The most important question concerning any man living is this: Is he a saved soul or not? Is he a child of God or an heir of wrath?” — Spurgeon

How Does the Bible Tell One to Be Saved?

Know that you are a sinner:
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23 Also: Romans 5:12, I John 1:10.
Know that Hell is the payment for all that have sinned.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12
BUT, there is good news! Jesus’ death on the cross is the payment for the sins of all that call upon Him for salvation!
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13

“There are only two classes of people in this world: the saints and the ain’ts.”
— Vernon McGee

The BIBLE VIEW #926 — Temptations

In This Issue:
The Weapon Against Temptations
There’s A Battle Out There!
Satan Knows
Always a Way of Escape
Making Provision

Volume: 926 October 2, 2023
Theme: Temptations

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/BibleView926.pdf. Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

The Weapon Against Temptations
Bill Brinkworth

All people face temptations at one time or the other. Often, we can choose to do God’s will and way or ignore His desires and do what we desire.

Jesus was not exempt from facing similar temptations. The most famous of Jesus’ trials is in Luke 4, where the devil tempted Jesus.

Although most of us will not rank the personal attention of Satan’s temptations, we can learn how to face our temptations by following Christ’s example. What gave Christ the victory then will help us succeed today.

In all three testings (Luke 4:1-13) Jesus faced, He was victorious. We can also win when we are tempted to sin. We do not have to succumb to the impulse to lie, cheat, deceive, commit adultery, or any other weakness our flesh wants to give in to.

None of Jesus’ trials were won by clever answers, reasoning with the enemy, or compromising. They were overcome by simply quoting and abiding by biblical principles.

When Jesus was tempted to turn the stones into bread, He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, “… make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.” Satan attacked again and tried to tempt Jesus by offering power and the things on Earth. Christ’s defense was scriptural: “…Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve.…” Deut. 10:20.

By the third temptation, Satan knew how Jesus would fend him off. Satan attempted to counter with Scripture. Satan’s misquoting and misusing of God’s Word (Psalm 91:11, did not hamper Jesus. Jesus simply quoted Deuteronomy 6:16: “Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God….”

The key to facing temptation is not running from it, ignoring it, or giving in to it. It is determining if it is wrong, and if so, sticking to the guidelines given in the Bible. That is why reading and studying God’s Word is so important.

One never knows what temptations will be faced. When you do encounter them, will you know what God’s Word says about the confronting trial? Do you know Scripture well enough to make it your protection and guide you through the pitfalls you are encountering?

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” I Corinthians 10:13

There’s A Battle Out There!
Bill Brinkworth

One of the most important principles for a Christian to understand is that there is a spiritual battle going on. Most of the assault is invisible, but the war against God and His followers rages.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12

Peter closed his letter in I Peter with a similar warning as was stated in Ephesians 6:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8

Many Christians trust Christ as Saviour, but that is as far as the relationship goes. They never see there is a spiritual battle around them, they are involved in it, and they are a casualty.

A Christian cannot lose his salvation in the battle. It is already bought and paid for. His name was already written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life. However, a Christian can have his testimony destroyed in the foray. That is the intent of the enemy, Satan. He cannot take a saved man to Hell with him, but he can make sure the child of God is of no use to the cause of Christ. If he can wound one of God’s warriors, that Christian will be out of the battle, at least temporarily.

Sadly, Satan has won many battles. Many Christians have been saved, but the “roaring lion” sought them and devoured their zeal and testimony.

The enemy of God and mankind may have pounced on a Christian’s pride and sent the child of God permanently home from church because his feelings were hurt. Satan’s efforts may have crippled a babe-in-Christ by making it seem like the Word of God was too hard for him to understand, so the believer never read the Bible and was weakened by spiritual ignorance.

Perhaps the enemy used the ploy of leading the Christian to a dead or liberal church. The child of God never grew because he was not spiritually fed or educated with the Truth.

The enemy also may have encouraged believers to read a modern perversion of the Word of God, so they never hear all God desires them to know. They are also weakened because they were not fed meat from God’s Word.

There are thousands of weapons in the enemy’s war chest. Satan hates God and the things of God. Satan’s primary purpose is to make sure that the cause of Christ is hampered. Sadly, he has succeeded with his attacks on many attempting to live for Christ.

We have been warned. There is a battle for the souls of mankind and for the disarming of Christian soldiers. However, if the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6 is spiritually donned, all can be victorious in the battle for the cause of Christ. With God’s help, we can overcome the trials and temptations we face.
“Whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the world,” I John 5:4

“You cannot win the war if you are not even in the battle.” — Author Unknown

Satan Knows
T. Watson, 1871

The devil does not know the hearts of men, but he may feel their pulse, know their temper, and accordingly can apply himself. As the farmer knows what seed is proper to sow in such soil, Satan, discovering one’s temper, knows what temptation is suitable to plant in such a heart. He tempts the ambitious man with a crown, the sanguine man with beauty, and the covetous man with a wedge of gold. Mankind’s enemy provides savory temptations he knows the sinner loves.

“The temptations of Satan, which he intended for their destruction, frequently become jewels to adorn the crowns of God’s people when they stand before the eternal throne.” — Author Unknown

Always a Way of Escape
Author Unknown

There is a place in the Hudson River where, as you sail, you seem to be entirely hemmed in with hills. The boat drives on toward a rocky wall, and it looks as if it must either stop or be dashed to pieces. However, as you come within the shadow of the mountain, an opening is suddenly discovered, and the boat passes out into one of the grandest bays on the river.

So it is with temptation. You are not to seek it and not to surrender to it. God promises no way out in such a case. But, if it meets you on your Heavenward journey, you are to go straight on, though you see no way out.

God does not promise “… a way to escape …” (I Cor. 10:13) until the temptation actually comes. If you keep on, the “way” will reveal itself in due time. Remember, as in that river, the beautiful bay lies just around the frowning rock. So often, your sweetest and best experience in life lies just behind your most threatening temptation.

“When meeting temptation, turn to the right.” — Author Unknown

Making Provision
W. B. Knight

One day Bob was given definite instruction by his mother not to go swimming in the nearby pond. Shortly afterward, he was to pass the pond enroute to the ballpark. He took along with him his bathing suit, just in case he was tempted. The boy made provision for the flesh to fail.

It was different for an older man. He knew what tempted him and how he would react. “When I pass a watermelon patch, I can’t keep my mouth from waterin’, but I can run past it.”

“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Rom. 13:14

The BIBLE VIEW #925 — Getting Right with Others

In This Issue:
Get It Right — Immediately!
When Anger Is Sinful
You’re Only Fooling Yourself

Volume: 925 September 25, 2023
Theme: Getting Right with Others

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/BibleView925.pdf. Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

Get It Right — Immediately!
Bill Brinkworth

“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” Matt 5:23-24

Although much of the Matthew 5:23-24 verses was about another time, the principle of getting right with fellow Christians still applies today. Getting along with others, even Christians, will always be a challenge.

As a church deaf interpreter, I stood before the deaf congregation at the front of the church. After hearing what the pastor said over my right shoulder, I relayed what God had laid on Pastor Fedena’s heart to the deaf congregation in sign language.

Part of the sermon was about not holding a grudge against another Christian. Being angry at a brother or sister in Christ will hinder the Holy Spirit from working in one’s life and may keep one from being used by God. The pastor detailed some examples of how that sin hurts individuals and the church.

God began to deal with my heart about a grudge I was holding against a man in the church. The man had offended me, and the smoldering embers of bitterness were rekindled every time I looked at him.

Trying to concentrate on delivering the message to the deaf and remembering my sin soon distracted me. The pastor’s sermon became more personal and required a decision on my part. “If God reminds you of a person you have something against, go to him and get it right,” the pastor emphasized.

As the preacher continued, he made the invitation even more immediate. “If that person is here, go, get it right now. Don’t delay! Go to them and deal with your sin.…”

“Gulp!” That was when the conviction became overwhelming. I silently argued with the Lord while still interpreting. “Lord, I can’t do it now. I’m interpreting. I’ll do it later….”

The conviction became stronger, and dealing with it immediately seemed inevitable. It was as if the preacher knew about the sin I had harbored in my heart and was speaking to me personally. He did not, but it certainly felt like it. More urges like “… now … don’t grieve the Holy Spirit … go to that person now … don’t wait another second …” pestered my thinking.

That was it. I could not take another second of the Holy Spirit’s conviction. I signed to another nearby interpreter to take over and interpret for me. After he had taken my position, I looked for the man with whom I was harboring bitterness. Wouldn’t you know it, he was sitting on the other side of the church and towards the back.

I crossed the front of the church and went down the aisle to the back of the church. It seemed like all eyes were on me, but I had to get that sin right. I went to the man and leaned over to speak to him. Without getting into details and trying not to justify that my reasons were right, I apologized to him for getting angry at him and asked for his forgiveness. He must have been embarrassed as much as I, but fortunately, he accepted my apology, and the matter was closed.

I had previously apologized to the Lord, and now I had forgiven the man. The conviction subsided. I had done what the Lord told me to do. Peace returned.

No matter what the other person did or said, it is essential for us not to sin. If the offender sinned, it should not be a reason for us to do likewise. However, if we sin, it may require humbling ourselves and getting it right with a family member, child, parent, friend, or acquaintance. If their sin was greater, that is between them and the Lord. Our concern should be to keep our slate clean from unconfessed sin.

Is there a person you may have something against? Perhaps it is a matter that happened a long time ago, but it still gnaws at your memory. Is that bitter feeling more important than grieving the Holy Spirit by harboring that sin?

If your conviction reminds you of an unsettled matter, now would be a good time to get that sin forgiven by God and right with that person. You may not have to cross a whole church congregation, but you may have to pick up a phone, write a letter, or even visit that person personally — TODAY!

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

“If anger is not restrained, it is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.” — Seneca

When Anger Is Sinful
J. Beaumont, 1871

Anger is a sin:

When we are angry with the providence of God.
When we are angry with the laws of God.
When we are angry at the doctrines taught in the Word of God.
When we are angry at the good we see in others.
When we are angry with those who differ from us in religious sentiments.
When we are angry at reproof.
When we wish evil upon our reprover.

“The sun must not set upon anger; much less will I let the sun set upon the anger of God towards me.” — Donne

You’re Only Fooling Yourself
Bill Brinkworth

In starting the first of his three letters, John the Apostle bluntly covers two areas many are not completely honest with themselves about. Those areas are:

When people claim to be in fellowship with God but are not!
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” I John 1:6

Many times folks fool even themselves into believing that they can talk to God, He is listening to them, answering them, and they are in full fellowship even when they are in sin. They are lying to themselves.

It is impossible for a believer to have close fellowship with God when there is sin in their life! God hates sin, and although people do not lose their salvation when they fall for sin’s enticement, they certainly grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30).

That grieving will cost anyone a close relationship with God. The only remedy for that broken relationship is to turn from sin (Acts 8:22) and again “… walk in the light …” (I John 7). One should then live in the manner in which God requires.
When people claim to have no sin.
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” I John 1:8 Also: vs. 10.

Some consider themselves sin-free. My grandmother claimed never to have sinned. She was a good person by man’s standards, but when I approached her with the Bible truth that “… all have sinned …” (Romans 3:23), she insisted that she was not a sinner.

I remember her even being insulted that I would even think such a thing about her. No matter how much I loved my grandmom, she was like the rest of us — a sinner! She was deceiving herself, and as far as I know, she was never saved because of that deception.

The only cure for my grandmom, and any other person in that state of not recognizing their sin, is to acknowledge their iniquities and admit them. Once we realize and confess it to Him, God is “… faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

However, that first step is the tough part: recognizing oneself as a sinner. Some know it at a young age, but other folks, such as my grandmom, can go 80 years and still not recognize their sinnership. One of the most important steps for anyone’s salvation is to first realize they are a sinner.

The most valuable and important thing everyone has is their soul. Making the decision to be close to God and to go to Heaven rests on their shoulders. That decision can only be made when one is completely honest with Him, and is willing to do what the Bible commands.

“The wages of sin is death. There is no minimum wage.”

The BIBLE VIEW #924 — Bible

In This Issue:
Get the Context
Difficulties in the Bible
Why Some Do Not Read the Bible
Wealth Untold

Volume: 924 September 18, 2023
Theme: Bible

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/BibleView924.pdf. Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

Get the Context
Bill Brinkworth

“Context”: “The parts of a piece of writing or speech which precede and follow a particular word or passage and may fix, or help to fix, its true meaning” — Chamber’s Dictionary

Too often a Bible verse is selected to prove a point or doctrine without understanding what it is really about. The context of what was penned is often ignored. The statement is often misunderstood because previous or following verses that inform more fully what the Scripture is about are not heeded.

Not understanding the context of a conversation is something we all have done at least once. We listened to some talking and thought we knew what was being discussed. However, after we put our two cents of an opinion into the discussion, we were soon embarrassed because what we thought was being talked about was wrong. They were talking about something completely different. We came into the conversation at the end and did not understand the original context.

Too often this happens to a Bible reader. They assume they know what the verse means but are in left field in understanding it. Getting the context of the verse is paramount.

Here are some simple guidelines to keep one from making an error in understanding a verse(s):

To whom is the verse addressed? Too many try to apply to this church age what was given to Old Testament saints only or to the Jews. It should not usually be applied to today’s church. One should not make verses fit to suit what they want them to mean.

Although many principles in the Bible apply today, many do not. To be safe, read the verse as the original recipient would understand it. (This will take some knowledge of the audience and their customs, practices, thinking, etc.)

Read “Matthew” as a Jew would with their understanding of the Old Testament and what they were looking forward to in their future. Read Paul’s Epistles from the point of a man burdened for the Gentiles and with a vast background of the Old Testament.
What event or time are the verses concerning? Some scripture specifically dealt with a time in past history, but future to the ones being written to. Often, those verses are made to fit today when they do not apply.
Do other verses indicate that a previous practice or teaching is no longer to be followed? Some have tried to follow Old Testament worship when the New Testament commands that we are no longer to have sacrifices, as Jesus is the once-forever sacrifice. We are no longer to have high priests as Jesus is our High Priest (Heb. 4:14).
Is the verse a part of a previous sentence? Sometimes, the Scripture continues a preceding verse(s). Perhaps that verse even ends with a comma or a semicolon (;). Understand those verse(s) before jumping to conclusions about one select verse.

Sometimes, a verse starts with a word that connects it to an earlier verse or even a chapter. A giveaway is if it is a verse that begins with “Therefore,” “Wherefore,” or other connecting words. A common rule is if one sees a connecting word such as “therefore,” ask one’s self, “What is it there for?” and look and see!
What are the previous verses (and chapters) talking about? Some read a whole chapter that is about one thing and take one verse in that chapter and claim it is about something completely different. ALWAYS read previous verses, maybe even the whole chapter or more, before assuming you know what the verse means.
Is the principle you believe that is being taught, taught elsewhere in the Bible? Many stick to a biblical doctrine only “taught” by one verse. Usually, a principle is mentioned in many places in the Bible, not just one. One should be suspicious when getting a doctrine from only one verse. Search further. If it is a teaching God wants you to know, it will be in multiple places.
Do not take another’s understanding of the verse for granted. We all make mistakes and often have the wrong context of the verse. Study it and search it out for yourself. I have heard somebody’s understanding of a verse was based on “what our religion teaches,” “what our tradition follows,” or “what my Aunt Hilda, whose great-grandfather was a preacher, said.” The best commentary of the Bible is the Bible! If you are English-speaking, ensure that the Bible you use is the KJV. ALL other modern versions change words, delete words and verses, and teach many things differently than the preserved Word of God!

The Bible is not just a book. It is God’s preserved Word. Often, it is not easy to understand what you are reading unless you have the proper background of the verse. Always understand a verse’s context before coming to conclusions about its meaning!

“A text without its context is a pretext!”

Difficulties in the Bible
John Bates, 1871

No one need deny that there are difficulties in the Bible. Those hard-to-understand statements do not affect its Divine origin any more than the difficulties in understanding things in nature affect the truth of its Divine origin.

Because a man cannot comprehend all the difficulties that meet him in many of the pages of the Book, would he be wise in saying that God was not the Creator of it? How can one be wise, for a similar reason, when one denounces the Bible as the Book of God?

“The Bible was human in penmanship but divine in authorship!”
— Author Unknown

Why Some Do Not Read the Bible
Author Unknown

Queen Elizabeth’s wrinkles waxed deep and many. It is reported that an unfortunate master of the mint (the person designing the country’s coins) was disgraced by making a too faithful likeness of her cast on the shilling, which showed her aging. The die was broken, and only one mutilated specimen exists.

Her maids took the hint and were careful that no fragment of a looking glass remained in any room in the palace. The Quarterly Review, a magazine of the time, said the queen “had not the heart to look herself in the face for the last twenty years of her life!”

A mirror exposes wrinkles, dirt, etc., that may be on one’s face, as the Word of God shows what is in one’s heart. Reading the Bible shows us our sins. If we refuse to repent and change, we soon tire of seeing our “dirty faces” in God’s “Mirror.” So many stop looking into His “mirror.” How foolish! Better see the “dirt,” confess it, arid be cleansed by the Blood of the Lamb.

“It’s not the will of God if it is against what is taught in the Word of God.”

Wealth Untold
Author Unknown

Precious things of wealth untold,
Stores of silver and of gold,
God hides oft within the ground,
Till by seeking they are found.
In His Word He’s hidden, too,
Riches that He means for you.

Search the Scripture’s precious store
As the miner digs for ore,
Finding wisdom not of Earth,
Far above a ruby’s worth.
Search, and you will surely find
Treasures to enrich the mind.

Search the Scriptures every day,
Search, and find there hidden away,
Like a pearl within its shell,
Promises that fears dispel.
Search, and find God’s words impart
Treasures to enrich the seeking heart.

Search the Scriptures, finding there
Christ, its chiefest Treasure rare,
Through whom God makes wealth abound
In each life where is found.
Search, and find what Christ will do
To enrich all life for you.

“To own a Bible and not read it is proof of one’s unconcern for what God
has to say!

The BIBLE VIEW #923 — Forgiveness

In This Issue:
Handled Properly
What Can be Learned
God Both Forgives and Justifies
“If I Had Known!”

Volume: 923 September 11, 2023
Theme: Forgiveness

Read and use the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/BibleView923.pdf. Print as many copies as you can use for your church bulletin inserts, Sunday school paper, or as a ministry handout.

Handled Properly
Bill Brinkworth

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Mat. 5:44-45

It started innocently. A “Hey, J.” was shouted to the passing neighbor. However, the dog walking with its owner started barking at D. and got closer and closer. The animal’s warning bark turned to a quick nip on D.’s leg.

“Owww!” was D.’s natural cry. “Your dog bit me!”

“Oh no, he didn’t,” was J.’s defensive retort. More harsh words ensued.

D. was angered as his words and pain were questioned. The argument between the two neighbors escalated. D. took the moment to point out some of J.’s other damages to his property.

Back and forth the argument went. Both parties shouted hurtful accusations. Finally, one of the men walked away in disgust, and the heated discussion stopped.

After rehashing it with himself and his wife, D. was even more convinced that he was right and that the neighbor was wrong. He thought about it for hours and the next day. D. was very troubled over the matter. Thoughts about his Christian testimony to the neighbor and how he had reacted troubled D. He could not get any peace as he mulled over what had happened. He knew he was right, but his reaction could have been better.

As conviction troubled him, D. thought about how to remedy his situation. The neighbor was definitely in the wrong, but D.’s reaction certainly was not Christ-like. Soon, he found himself composing a letter apologizing for his actions.

“Dear J.,
“I want to apologize for my actions the other day. It was wrong of me to lose my temper and say the things I said. I am a Christian, and that behavior is unacceptable…”

“Sincerely,
“D.”
Included with the letter was a gift certificate for two at a local restaurant.

Five weeks later, a letter appeared in D.’s mailbox. It was from J., and it read,

“Dear D.
“… I have returned your gift certificate. I cannot accept it, as I had wronged you also. I hope we can continue to be good neighbors and put this behind us….”

The matter was smoothed over because one man humbled himself and made it as right as possible. No one on this side of Glory knows how D.’s handling affected that man, his girlfriend, others with whom he may have shared the situation, and others who scoffed at how D. handled it. A good Christian testimony had been etched in others’ minds.

Although many Christians argue with others, few get it right, as did this neighbor. I never heard all the details about how J. reacted. All that does not matter anyway. The important thing is that a man saw his error in a situation and attempted to get it right.

If more would value their Christian testimony, obey the convicting “voice of the Holy Spirit,” and handle their actions more Christ-like, Christianity would be a better example than it is to so many today. Thank you, D. for your example!

“Doing an injury puts you below your enemy. Revenging one makes you even with him. Forgiving him sets you above him.” — Benjamin Franklin

What Can be Learned
Philips, 1871

“What can Jesus Christ do for you now?” said an inhumane slave master, applying a lacerating whip to an already half-murdered slave.

“Him teach me to forgive you, Massa,” was his reply.

“The best way to get even is to forgive and forget.”

God Both Forgives and Justifies
Dr. H. A. Ironside

When God forgives through the risen, glorified Jesus, He not only forgives, but He justifies us. An earthly judge can’t forgive and justify a man. If a man is justified, he does not need to be forgiven.

Imagine a man charged with a crime going to court, and after the evidence is all in, he is pronounced not guilty, and the judge sets him free. Someone says as he leaves the building, “I want to congratulate you. It was very kind of the judge to forgive you.”

“Forgive? He did not forgive me; my actions were justified. There is nothing to forgive.”

You cannot justify a man if he does a wicked thing, but you can forgive. God not only forgives, but He justifies the ungodly because He links the believer with Christ, and we are made “accepted in the Beloved.”

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also
forgive you.” Mat. 6:14

“If I Had Known!”
D. L. Moody, 1877

When I was East a few years ago, Mr. George H. Stewart told me of an instance in a Pennsylvania prison when Governor Pollock, a Christian man, was Governor of the State. A man was tried for murder, and the judge had pronounced sentence upon him. His friends had tried every means in their power to procure his pardon. They had sent deputation after deputation to the Governor, but he had told them that the law must take its course.

When they began to give up hope, the Governor went down to the prison and asked the sheriff to take him to the condemned man’s cell. The Governor was conducted into the presence of the criminal, and he sat down by the side of his bed and began to talk kindly to the prisoner.

He spoke to the man of Christ and Heaven and showed him that although he was condemned to die on the morrow by earthly judges, he would receive eternal life from the Divine Judge if he would accept salvation. He explained the plan of salvation, and when he left him, he committed him to God.

When he was gone, the sheriff was called to the cell by the condemned man. “Who was that man?” asked the criminal, “who was in here and talked so kindly to me?”

“Why,” said the sheriff, “that was Governor Pollock.”

“Was that Governor Pollock? O Sheriff, why didn’t you tell me who it was? If I had known that was him, I wouldn’t have let him go out until he gave me a pardon. The Governor has been here, in my cell, and I didn’t know it,” and the man wrung his hands and wept bitterly.

My friends, there is one greater than a governor with you today. He sent His Son to redeem you and to bring you out of the prison house of sin. He is waiting to forgive all your sins.

“The discoverer of the role of forgiveness in the realm of human affairs was Jesus of Nazareth.” — Hannah Arendt

The BIBLE VIEW #922 —Afflictions

In This Issue:
There May Be A Time
Afflictions Have Their Purpose
The Dog of Affliction
Gaining Compassion

Volume: 922 September 4, 2023
Theme: Afflictions

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/EmailVersion/BibleView922Email.pdf. Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

Since there was no feedback that anyone was using the large print Bible View, that ministry will be discontinued. :>(

There May Be A Time…
Bill Brinkworth

Joseph, in Genesis, had many undeserved ordeals in his young life. His brothers hated him. They sold him into slavery, where he was later jailed.

However, the hardships he experienced one day turned into triumphs. He was made the second ruler under the mighty Pharaoh and was eventually able to help save Egypt and his family from a devastating famine.

At the end of his tribulations, we see how God used all those terrible acts done to Joseph. The times of testing were times he learned more about himself and life. He learned:

There may be a time not to hold on to hurt emotions but to let them out and have joy.
“Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. 2 And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.” Gen. 45:1-2
There may be a time to forget what was done in the past. All the terrible things that happened to Joseph were to help preserve his and his family’s lives.
“Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” Gen. 45:5
There may be a time when our preferences may have to change. We may have to move out of our comfort zone to be used by God, as did Israel and Joseph’s family.
“Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not: 10 And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children’s children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:” Gen. 45:9-10
There is a time to forget past events and live for a different future. Joseph forgave his brothers’ cruelty towards him and even helped them.
“Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.” Gen. 45:15

This certainly coincides with the same principle taught in the New Testament:
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Mat 5:44
“Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” Luke 6:28
There may be a time that a lifestyle changes, and one loses what they had in the past. Possessions may be lost, but God may have something else He allows you to have:
“Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.” Gen. 45:20
There may be a time when one has to let God provide for us differently. Often, His new way for us is better.
“And the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way. 22 To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment.” Gen. 45:21-21
There may be a time to be surprised. Things may turn out differently than expected when God changes one’s life.
“And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived: 28 And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.” Gen. 45:27-28

Like Joseph, most of our lives did not turn out as we first envisioned them. Our journey was not always on smooth, paved roads. Most of us traveled over many of life’s “bumps.” Life can often be rough.

If one played the victim, blamed others, and held a grudge, one may still be stuck in the ditch he initially fell into or was pushed into. However, those with Joseph’s accepting and unbegrudging attitude may be able to see and experience the plan God has for their lives. What is your attitude towards the roadblocks in your life?

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Roman 5:2-5

Afflictions Have Their Purposes
Brooks, 1608-1680

God sometimes afflicts us for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness. The flowers smell the sweetest after a summer shower. Vines bear the better after their pruning. The walnut tree is most fruitful when it is beaten and shaken. Christians spring and thrive most when they are most externally afflicted. Afflictions are the mothers of virtue.

Manasseh’s chain was more profitable to him than his crown. Luther could not understand some Scriptures till he was in affliction. The Christ-cross is no school book, yet it has taught us more than all the words in many thick books.

All the stones that came about Stephen’s ears knocked him closer to Christ. The flood waves lifted Noah’s ark nearer to Heaven.

When was it that Stephen saw the heavens open and Christ standing at the right hand of God, but when the stones were about his ears, and there was but a short step betwixt him and eternity? And when did God appear in glory to Jacob, but in the day of his troubles, when the stones were his pillows, the ground his bed, the hedges his curtains, and the heavens his canopy? Then, he saw the angels of God ascending and descending in their glittering robes.

Afflictions lift the soul for a more prosperous, clearer, and fuller enjoyment of God. God makes afflictions to be but inlets to the soul’s more sweet and full enjoyment of His blessed self.
“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.” Hosea 2:14

“The God inside you is bigger than the giant before you.” — Author Unknown

The Dog of Affliction
Cawdray, 1598-1644

If a sheep strays from the flock, the shepherd sets his dog after it. He does that not to have the sheep devoured but to bring the animal back to safety.

Many times, if we disobey our heavenly Shepherd, He too may set His dog of affliction on us. It may be a “dog” of sickness, financial problems, or social situations. Those difficulties are often meant to draw us back to safety in His arms and never to harm us.

“The greatest affliction of life is never to be afflicted.”

Gaining Compassion
Downame, 1644

Our afflictions make us more compassionate toward others who endure similar troubles. Those who have been sick are apt to pity those whom they see pained with like diseases.

Those who have been imprisoned are more readily compassionate and accordingly help and relieve those who are restrained. They who have been pinched with debt and hunger pity those who are poor and want food to feed and clothe them.

This was one reason God laid upon our Saviour so many afflictions, that Jesus might be able sufficiently have compassion on them that are encompassed with infirmity.
“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” II Cor. 1:4

“The tears of sorrow are like spiritual lenses, showing us the world in its true character as a poor, empty, unsatisfying inheritance.” — Macmillan

The BIBLE VIEW #921 — Sin’s Damage

In This Issue:
Too Close to the Jalapenos
The Ink Spot
The “Harmless” Ivy
The Marks That Remained
“I Can’t Get Clean

Volume: 921 August 28, 2023
Theme: Sin’s Damage

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/EmailVersion/BibleView921Email.pdf. Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

Print the FREE large print edition at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/LargeText/BibleView921-Large-Print.pdf — Ideal for giving to people with difficulty reading smaller print.

Too Close to the Jalapenos
Bill Brinkworth

A friend graciously gave me a few fresh jalapeno peppers from his garden. We usually do not eat anything “hot,” but sometimes a recipe calls for them, and I thought it would be a good idea to have some handy for when they were needed.

I took those fresh peppers and cut them up very carefully for freezing. I knew the juice could be harmful if it got in one’s eyes or mouth, and I ensured it did not get on my body. I handled them cautiously, and after bagging them, I washed my hands very carefully three times.

Much later, I washed my face. Not once do I recall getting a drop there, but the pain began after scrubbing. Apparently, just the vapors of the “hot” vegetable got on my face, up my nose, and even down my throat. After rinsing, the waters activated the pepper’s juice, and I had to deal with the agonizing pain for the rest of the day and still felt some of its havoc the next day.

While dealing with the vegetable’s side effects, I could not help but think how sin affects one’s life very similarly to what I suffered from the jalapeno juice. No, sin may not burn one’s face or immediately cause pain, but one does not have to be in direct contact with iniquity to reap the damage it can do.

One may not commit adultery, but watching suggestive television or movies can put lustful thoughts in one’s mind, changing how one thinks about being faithful in marriage. Perhaps one never would think about doing anyone harm, but after years of seeing violence on television, killing the “bad guys” on a video game, or seeing it much in a family or work situation, it may be easier for one to act more violently when angry.

Stealing may be one thing one would never contemplate doing, but after hearing of peers who shoplifted and did not get caught, it may be considered a solution for getting what one wants. One may never imagine himself being involved in a certain sin, but continual exposure to it by being around those engaged in the iniquity or seeing it repeatedly via different media may have one considering such a sin or changing one’s thoughts to “it’s not that bad.”

Sin is so dangerous that distant exposure to it can affect one’s life. That is why God commands us not only not to commit it but to stay as far away as possible from it. Any contact with iniquity can desensitize one to it and may break down any mental barriers one has in being involved with it. Exposure to sin may not burn your face, as did the jalapenos, but it may allow one to be one step closer to sinning.

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” II Corinthians 6:17 Also: Isaiah 52:11, I Thes. 5:22.

“One leak can sink a vessel and drown all. One sin can sink one’s
life as easily.”

The Ink Spot
Hare, (1796-1834)

The mind of man has been compared to a white sheet of paper. Whatever we write upon the writing material, and every drop of ink that falls upon it, makes a permanent mark. That mark cannot be rubbed out without much injury to the paper.

Even while the ink may be somewhat fresh, it cannot be eliminated. Sometimes, a bigger mess is made while attempting to remove the spot. Every ink speck embeds itself into the paper. If we even try to write over it, we may make a deeper blot. After scratching it out, the next letters written on the spot are blurred.

However small we deem them, every sin affects our lives. Therefore, we must be careful of what we “write” on our lives.

Sin will harm all who allow its life-altering marks to soil themselves. This is why we must separate ourselves from it and avoid it at all costs.

“The wages that sin promises the sinner are life, pleasure, and profit. However, it only pays him death, torment, and destruction. He that would understand the falsehood and deceit of sin must compare its promises with what its payments truly are.” — South, (1633-1716)

The “Harmless” Ivy
Spurgeon.

In the gardens of Hampton Court, you will see many trees entirely vanquished and strangled by huge coils of ivy. They are round about them like the strangling snakes around a victim. Every hour the rootlets of the climber are sucking the life out of the unhappy tree.

Initially, the ivy was a tiny, harmless appearing plantlet, only requiring a little aid in climbing. Had it been denied then, the tree would have never become its victim. The humble weakling grew in strength, arrogance, and soon assumed the mastery. The tall tree became the prey of the creeping destroyer.

The moral is apparent. Sorrowfully, we remember many noble characters ruined by their “little” habits.

Drink has been one’s ivy in many cases. For others, it may have been dishonesty, laziness, or jealousy. Reader, see that you are not involved in sin, lest the slowly-advancing iniquity overpowers you. Sin hurts everyone!

“It is Satan’s custom to use small sins to draw us to greater crimes
against God.” — Manton (1620-1667).

The Marks That Remained
Mursell

A father told his child that the youngster should drive a nail into a post whenever he did anything wrong. He also told him that when the child did that which was good, he could pull one of the iron spikes out of the post. A great many nails were driven into the post, but the child tried very hard to get the post cleared of the nails by striving to do right.

At length, he was so successful in his struggles with himself that every nail was drawn out of the post. The father was just about to praise the child when, stooping down to kiss his son, he was startled to see tears fast rolling down the child’s face. “Why, my boy? Why do you cry? Are not all the nails gone from the post?”

“Oh yes! The nails are all gone, but look at the marks that are left.”

This familiar illustration reminds many of past sins’ damage to their lives. It is possible to have those sins forgiven and forgotten as one calls on the Lord to do so. However, the havoc done by sin may linger for the rest of one’s life. That is why it is wisest never to get involved with iniquity in the first place. There will be no regrets when nothing regretable has been done.

“Your ship may have escaped damage by the formidable rocks, but beware lest you be wrecked on the unsuspecting sands.” — Gregory Nazianjen

“I Can’t Get Clean
Mursell

In one of the grandest tragedies of a great English poet, there is a scene that is enough to make one’s blood run cold. A woman whose husband had made himself king of Scotland by means of several murders and who had been the prompter and partner of his crimes came on stage. While in her sleep, she continually rubbed her hands as though she were washing them. She cried, “Here’s a spot! And another! Will these hands ne’er be clean? This blood I have soiled myself with will not come off! All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten its stench.”

In her words, this is an awful truth. We can stain our souls with sin. We can dye them, and double-dye them, and even triple-dye them. We can dye them all the colors of Hell’s rainbow, but we cannot wash them white. All the sweetest perfumes in the world will not mask the stench they have left on our consciences. All the fountains of the great deep will not wash away one little spot of sin. Its wage and the guilt it often brings can linger around much of our lives.

The usurping Queen of Scotland had been guilty of murder. The blood from the one she had a part in spilling stained her conscience. However, it is not just the sin stain of murder that robs one of peace. Every sin soils the soul.

In that tragedy, the Queen said, “What’s done cannot be undone.” Consider those words. One cannot push back the wheels of time and make yesterday come again to do over afresh what was done wrongly. That which you did in the past cannot be changed. However, a Christian can confess it to the Lord, ask for forgiveness, and strive not to repeat that sin.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

The BIBLE VIEW #920 — Unbiblical Teachings

In This Issue:
Misconceptions
Unbiblical Beliefs
Just You and Jesus

Volume: 920 August 21, 2023
Theme: Unbiblical Teachings

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/EmailVersion/BibleView920Email.pdf. Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

Print the FREE large print edition at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/LargeText/BibleView920-Large-Print.pdf — Ideal for giving to people with difficulty reading smaller print.

Misconceptions
Bill Brinkworth

Too often, the teachings found in the Word of God are ignored and replaced by what people think is right, especially about salvation. None of mankind’s opinions matter, however. What is important is ”what saith the Lord.”

Good deeds and works will not get anyone to Heaven.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Eph. 2:8-9 (Grace is the undeserved favor, kindness, and love God bestows on individuals.)
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:28
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” Titus 3:5

The laws preserved in the Bible teach us what sin is, but following them alone will not get anyone into Heaven.
“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Rom. 3:20
“And by him [Jesus] all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:39 Also: Rom. 3:28.

Church teachings and traditions that do not align with God’s preserved Word will not save anyone!
“Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.” Mark 7:13
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8
“Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.” Titus 1:14

The Bible (KJV for English-speaking people) is the ONLY place where God’s truths and plans for mankind are preserved.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” II Tim 3:16
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Rom. 15:4
(To learn more of this truth, read “The Word of God ONLY” at https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/isaiah/the-word-of-god-only/)

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13

Unbiblical Beliefs
Bill Brinkworth

After speaking to many about how the Bible tells us we can go to Heaven, I have heard many beliefs not found in the Bible. Those ways are not what God has revealed to man. Some of those ways include:

“There is more than one way to get to Heaven,” and “There are many different roads to Heaven.” Those philosophies are never taught in the Word of God.

The point of the Bible is to state and preserve God’s plans and commands for all mankind. Suggesting that man can believe and do what he wants to get to Heaven contradicts Bible’s teachings. It is man’s way that got him in his sinful state. Only God’s Way is the path to salvation. It is God’s Heaven, and there is only one way to get there — His!
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 Also: John 10:9, 11:25

“We are all children of God!” If that philosophy were true, and we were all children of God, why is there a Hell, and why were we warned about it so we would not go there? Also, why did Christ die for us if all were going to Heaven? No one is a child of God unless he is born into God’s family by a spiritual birth.
“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 Also: John 3:5

“We’ll see so-an-so in Heaven.” When discussing the whereabouts of a deceased person, many assume that the person is in Heaven without knowing anything about his spiritual decisions and condition when on Earth. Quite frequently at funerals, it is mentioned, possibly so people’s feelings will not be hurt, that the person the service is for is in Heaven, when the person never made any profession or indicated that he was trusting Christ as Saviour. They may have been saved and in Heaven, but the way many talk is all are going to Heaven, and only the “really bad people” are going to Hell.

That sounds humane and nice, but it is God’s Heaven and not man’s; God says only those who do what He commands will go to His Heaven. It is only His way that matters. That way is trusting in Christ’s shed blood to cover one’s sins and admitting (confessing) Christ as Saviour (Rom. 10:9). One will only go to Heaven if saved!
“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Mat. 7:23 Also: Mat. 25:12, Mat. 25:41, Luke 13:25, II Tim. 2:19

“I’m a good person, so I’ll go to Heaven.” The Bible does not teach that either. It teaches the opposite. The Bible says we are all sinners because of having been born sinners and also our commission of it.

Because of our sins, we cannot go to Heaven unless we do what God says we must do to get there, and that is to be saved. No one is a “good” person. All are sinners!
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” Rom. 3:10
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Rom. 3:23 Also: Rom. 5:12

“If God is going to put people in Hell, then I don’t want to have any part of Him or Heaven.” That statement immediately reveals the person does not see the seriousness of where he is heading eternally. He is rejecting God’s plan of salvation.
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 2:21 Also: John 3:18, I Cor. 1:18

God does not want anyone to perish in Hell (II Peter 3:9). He has clearly shown in His preserved Word the only way anyone can go to Heaven. Only His way will get anyone there, not mankind’s path. God’s way is by trusting that Jesus’ death on the cross is the only payment God will accept for anyone’s sin. That belief is the only one that will get anyone to Heaven!

“If you are on the highway to Hell, take exit John 3:16 to Calvary’s Cross Road. Don’t wait until it is too late!” — Author Unknown
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

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 go to God themselves. There no longer was a need for priests.

However, then and even today, many believe they cannot go to God themselves. Whether they realize it or not, these folks still attempt 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 mediate between them and God.

Others pray to the dead, and some to deceased biblical characters, hoping 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 God and us, and that is Jesus Christ.

We also no longer have to present a perfect, unblemished animal sacrifice for the high priest to carry its blood through the temple’s curtain into the Holiest of Holies, as in the Old Testament. When Christ died, God ripped that veil in two from top to bottom. Now any believer can go to God in prayer through Jesus Christ without a mediator.

Telling a person, be it a 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 also 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 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 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, strike you, or hurt you in any way… He still loves you and wants to put His arm around you.” — J. Vernon McGee

The BIBLE VIEW #919 — Sowing & Reaping

In This Issue:
Reaping and SowingSin’s Crops
He Regretted That Crop
What We Sow
Ouch!

Volume: 919 August 14, 2023
Theme: Sowing & Reaping

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/views23/EmailVersion/BibleView919Email.pdf. Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

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Reaping and Sowing
Bill Brinkworth

When a gardener plants corn kernels, he expects them to germinate and produce corn. Likewise, when he drops lettuce seeds into the soil, he assumes he will one day harvest lettuce. All farmers and gardeners rely on the law of sowing and reaping.

Just as the agricultural law is always true, so is a similar truth of reaping and sowing the things in life. When one sows godliness, he will reap blessings and have God’s hand on what “grows.” When sin is “planted, it also will produce a crop, but a very unpleasant one that most regret.

Here are some biblical verses that teach principles about sowing and reaping in our lives:

Sinful seeds:
“Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity [sin], and sow wickedness, reap the same.” Job 4:8
“He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.” Prov. 22:8
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal. 6:7-9

Godly seeds:
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” Psalm 126:5

“Sin wouldn’t be so attractive if its wages were paid immediately!”

Sins’ Crops
Bill Brinkworth

“Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.” II Sam. 21:1

The idea that “when I sin, it only affects me” is not biblical. There are many scriptural examples that when a person sins, it affects others around them and even many in their future generations. One such instance occurred to the people of Israel because of King Saul’s sin.

The Gibeonites had tricked Joshua into sparing their lives (Joshua 9:3-27, around 1,451 B. C.). The tribes’ falsehood was soon detected, but only after Joshua’s princes gave the Gibeonites their word that their lives would be spared. The dishonest Gibeonites and their future generations were sentenced to be servants to the Israelites because of their sin, but they were not killed.

Many years later, King Saul broke that promise and killed many Gibeonites (II Sam. 21:1, around 1021 B. C.). Although the pledge was made generations previously, God judged Israel by allowing famine in their land. They suffered from a leader’s breaking a promise of bygone days.

Others also encountered God’s judgment because of the sin of:

Idolatry and hating God:
“Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;” Ex. 20:5 Also: Deut. 5:9, Lev. 20:4-5 (Also for the killing of babies.), Isa. 65:6-8.

Parent’s sins:
“Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.” Ex. 34:7
“Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with the LORD; and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out. 15 Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth.” Psalms 109:14-15
“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:” Deut. 30:19 Also: Num. 14:18, Num. 14:33, Lev.26:39-40, Isa. 14:20-21, Jer. 32:18.

Wickedness:
“How oft is the candle [their future] of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger.” Job 21:17

Although there are many more examples in the Bible, it should be evident from the instances above that people often reap the consequences of another’s sins. Sin hurts many people.

We also can see it in our own lives. Laws are made that restrict the freedoms of many because of the actions of a few.

Teachers sometimes have to be stricter in their classrooms because of the actions of some disobedient students. Security is often increased in a country because of the sin of others, and often those doing right have to pay for their lack of freedom with their taxes. A country’s leader can make decisions that hurt his own citizens and sometimes even kill them. Sin always hurts the trespasser and, many times, those around him.

However, sometimes others can receive God’s blessings from the actions of a godly person or persons. People and countries were changed and saved by King David, Jonah, Paul, John, Peter, and other righteous people. If our own Saviour, Jesus, had not stood up and done right, we would never have had the possibility of going to Heaven. Many nations, including the United States, have been blessed because of the godly stand its early forefathers had made. Future generations can reap good things from those that lived earlier by God’s principles.

The wrath of God does not have to fall on all of those nations with ungodly leaders or those with wickedness in their ancestry. The one thing that can override God’s judgment on individuals and even countries is that people of the current generation can make the right decisions.

God’s grace and mercy are often poured out on those who choose to live according to God’s will and way. Yes, we will often reap some of God’s judgment on the sins of others and for leaders’ ungodly decisions. Still, it can be limited if God’s people turn and obey Him — individually and nationally.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chron. 7:14

“Never forget or be fooled; one always reaps what one sows! If one plants a crop of sin, he will reap the harvest of some rotten fruit.”

He Regretted That Crop
Daniels

Two farmers in Kentucky were mad at each other. One had carefully kept the evasive Johnson grass out of his fields.

Meanwhile, a mischievous son of one of the farmers took a bushel of Johnson grass seed and scattered it over a 40-acre field one night to bring havoc to the other’s property. The feud was settled in due time, and the neighbors became friends. The boy who planted the seed fell in love with his neighbor’s daughter and married her.

When her parents died and the administrator came to divide the estate, that boy was given the 40-acre field he had planted years previously. The last I heard from him, he was still digging Johnson grass and regretted the day he sowed the weed!

So it is with sin; in the end, we reap what we sow — and usually regret it!

“You can’t shack up with the devil and expect God to pay the rent!”
— Author Unknown

What We Sow
Author Unknown

If we sow a thought, we reap an act;
If we sow an act, we reap a habit;
If we sow a habit, we reap character;
If we sow character, we reap our future.

Ouch!
Michael P. Green

Lord Byron, a poet, spent his life searching for pleasure. Modern people would say, “He tried to live it up.” One day in desperation, he wrote:

The thorns I have reaped are of the tree I planted.
They have torn me, and I bleed.
I should have known what fruit would spring
from such a tree.

“He who sows thorns should not go barefoot!” — Author Unknown