2023 | THE BIBLE VIEW

The BIBLE VIEW #896 — Hell

In This Issue:
Home of the Lost — What the Bible Says about Hell!
How Does the Bible Tell One to be Saved from Hell?

Volume: 896 February 11, 2023
Theme: Hell

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Home of the Lost — What the Bible Says about Hell!
Bill Brinkworth

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

Perhaps, if people convince themselves and others that Hell does not exist, their scoffing will alleviate their guilt from their sins. Their ridiculing the horrible place of torment may even help convince them that Hell does not exist and that they do not have to fear going there.

One’s opinion, however, does not negate facts. There is a place called Hell, and unfortunately, many will go there (Mat.7:13-14).

Here are some facts about Hell according to the King James Bible:
Hell is down:
“Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.” Isaiah 14:9
“They also went down into hell with him unto them that be slain with the sword; and they that were his arm, that dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen.” Ezekiel 31:17 Also: Ez. 31:16, Ez. 32:21, Isaiah 14:15.

Hell is for the wicked:
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”
Psalm 9:17
“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” Matthew 23:33 Also: Matthew. 5:22.

Hell is a place of sorrows:
“The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.” Psalm 18:5
“The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.” Psalm 116:3

Hell is a place of pain:
“And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.” Luke 16:24-25 Also: Luke 16:28.
“And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.” Isaiah 66:24
“Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9:44 Also: Mark 9:46, 48.

Hell is a place where the souls of the dead go:
“But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.” Proverbs 9:18 Life isn’t over when our flesh stops breathing.

Hell has levels:
“For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.” Deuteronomy 32:22 Also: Psalm 86:13.

Before Christ died, the center of the Earth was different than it is today. There were three sections in it, as revealed in Luke 16:19-31.

In the verses in Luke 16, readers see the destination of two Old Testament people. One was Lazarus, who was a poor beggar, but a godly saint. When he died, his soul went to a compartment in the Earth called “Abraham’s bosom.”
“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;” Luke 16:22

When the rich man died, he went to Hell (“hades”). There, the man’s soul suffered torments (Luke 16:23-25, 28).
“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” Luke 16:23

Although separated by an impassable chasm (“a great gulf fixed” — Luke 16:26), the once wealthy man could look up where he recognized Lazarus. There he saw that the man who once had a hard, deprived (“evil”) life was now “comforted.” The man suffering in Hell saw one thing Lazarus had that he longed for — water.
“And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.” Luke 16:26

This account in Luke 16 is important as it shows that the unrighteous, Old Testament dead went to a tormenting Hell. The righteous saints of that time went to a place that was not tormenting but comforting.

After Jesus “died,” he led the godly Old Testament saints out of Abraham’s Bosom. Where the Saviour went was not a tormenting place, but a “comforting” one.

The Old Testament saints were “captive” in “Abraham’s bosom,” perhaps, until the perfect blood atonement was made to cover their sins. Jesus’ blood was that sacrifice, freeing them to go to Heaven with Him.
“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” Ephesians 4:8 Also: Ps. 68:18.
“Because thou wilt not leave my soul [David] in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Acts 2:27 Also: Acts 2:31. If I understand correctly, Abraham’s bosom was also referred to as “hell,” although it was not the tormenting place.
“He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.” Act 2:31

Hell is growing. Unfortunately, it is expanding as souls are still filling that horrible place.
“Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.” Proverbs. 27:20
“Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.” Isaiah 5:14

Hell is not for those trusting Christ as their Saviour.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish [“to destroy fully”], but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
“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

Hell is a temporary place, but then it gets worse:
“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.” Revelation 20:13 — All those in Hell will be released, judged, and sentenced to eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire. After Hell, one goes to the Lake of Fire – FOREVER!
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” Revelation 20:14

Hell certainly is a horrible place. No one should want to go there. (Many believe it will be a wonderful place to go!) The only way to avoid that tormenting place is to be saved.

Are you positive you will not go to Hell when it is your time to leave this world? Be sure! Do not gamble or guess with your eternal soul.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

A printable version of this lesson is available at: https://openthoumineeyes.com/lessons/hell.html

“Smoking or non-smoking? The choice of your eternity is up to you!” – Author Unknown

How Does the Bible Tell One to be Saved from Hell?

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

Hell is the payment for all that have sinned.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” 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!
“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
“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

The above is how the Bible says one is to be saved. However, so many add to God’s commandments. They add good works and deeds, obedience to a church’s teaching, or “religious acts” to get to a heavenly eternity.

Those works are man’s attempts to pay for their sins. There is nothing we can add or pay to receive God’s gift of salvation. Jesus paid it all when He died for our sins. Accept His payment today! Trust Christ as your Saviour!

“Don’t gamble on the eternal destiny of your soul. It is the only thing you possess that will last forever!”

The BIBLE VIEW #895 — Assorted

In This Issue:
The Church That Would Not Help
Trust God
The Clock Ticks On

Volume: 895 February 5, 2023
Theme: Assorted

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

The Church That Would Not Help
Dr. Ralph Yarnell

Once upon a time, there was an average preacher who pastored an average church in an average city. The church was always short on mission funds. One day a salesman approached the pastor with the following proposal.

“If you allow me to speak to your congregation for 15 minutes, I will show you how to easily add $10,000 to your mission program now and an extra $1,000 each month, if the church members cooperate.”

The average preacher consulted with the average church board. They put it to a vote of the average congregation and quickly accepted the proposition. A date and time were set. Announcements were made, and every church member was urged to attend.

The time arrived; the church was packed, and the salesman began:
“Ladies and gentlemen, I represent a home training program. If you use our equipment, I guarantee you will quickly learn at least 32 things that will give you a thrilling experience. Our equipment sells from $100 to several thousand dollars and $20 each month from then on. Our equipment will teach you:

How to murder anyone you don’t like
How to deceive
How to commit adultery
How to get drunk
How to use and push drugs
How to curse
How to have an abortion
How to display your nakedness
How to embrace Humanism
How to get a divorce
How to spread violence
How to enjoy vulgarity
How to be anti-God and anti-Christian
How to be anti-American
How to show hate
How to tell lies
How to be a thief
How to live immorally
How to have illicit sex
How to be a homosexual
How to show vengeance
How to become a gambler
How to commit suicide
How to be an arsonist
How to cheat others
How to be continually fighting
How to be a mugger and a rapist
How to commit hideous crimes
How to torture others
How to loot
How to riot
How to disobey both God and the government.

“The 32 things are only the beginning of what our equipment will teach you. I guarantee it!

“Now, by showing raised hands, let me see how many of you are willing to invest in our equipment. None? Can it be there is not one raised hand?

“Now, by the raised hand, let me see how many of you have a television or DVD player. Nearly every hand is raised.

“Evidently, someone beat me to the sale, for I am selling TVs and DVDs. I promised this church an opportunity for $10,000 plus more than $1,000 each month for your mission program if you would follow my suggestions. The suggestions are for each of you to sell your TVs and DVDs, give the proceeds to your church missions program, and donate the monthly cable charge to your church’s program.

“Now, how many of you are willing to follow my suggestions? Raise your hands, please. Can it be not one hand is raised? Tell me, why are none of you willing to help missions?”

“Wait, we don’t want to be too hasty. There are some benefits of controlled TV,” said the pastor.

The salesman questioned, “Do you control the TV, or does it control you? Few, if any Christians can overcome the erosion of clear thinking, traditional values, and Biblical living caused by improper exposure to TV and DVDs.”

“There are still some good things on TV,” retorted a deacon.

“Yes, of course; even a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day.”

“I believe there is some good in everything,” a Sunday school teacher added.

“Yes, there is no doubt some good food in the garbage can, but we do not go there to get our dinner,” answered the salesman.

“Most of us have already signed a petition to the FCC to clean up TV,” said a choir member.

“Noble thought, but the Christian’s job is not to clean up the pigpen, but to keep the pigpen out of our homes, lives, and churches.”

“Let’s be reasonable. There’s nothing wrong with laughing at comedy and having a good time,” interjected the youth leader.

“Yes, but we cannot laugh our life away or when sin is glorified. Folks, the mission money your church needs is in your TVs and DVDs. The revival you need is in the disposal of that equipment.” The salesman ended his presentation at that point as no one wanted to support missions or end their exposure to sin.

The average church continued to wonder why they were always short of money for the missionaries.

“One leak will sink a ship, and one sin will destroy a sinner.” – John Bunyan

Trust God
Author Unknown

One morning in George Mueller’s orphanage, there was no food for the children’s breakfast. The tables were set with empty plates and mugs. Mr. Mueller prayed, “Dear Father, we thank Thee for what Thou art going to give us to eat.” Immediately, there was a knock at the door. Opening it, he saw the local baker.

“Mr. Mueller,” he said, “I couldn’t sleep last night. I felt you had no bread for breakfast, so I got up at 2 o’clock and baked fresh bread. Here it is.”

Mueller thanked him and praised God. Then a second knock came. It was the milkman. His cart had broken down out front, and he wanted to give the milk to the children.

It was a happy group that gave God thanks that morning. God never fails His child who trusts Him.

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14

“Every believer is God’s miracle.” — P. Bailey

The Clock Ticks On
Author Unknown

The clock of life is wound, but once
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.

To lose one’s wealth is sad indeed.
To lose one’s health is more.
To lose one’s soul is such a loss
That no man can restore.

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26

The BIBLE VIEW #894 — God

In This Issue:
One
God for All
Valued More Than Any
More Careful Than Mother
The Sailor’s Confidence
God’s Uniqueness

Volume: 894 January 30, 2023
Theme: God

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

One
Bill Brinkworth

Society is concerned about the thoughts and actions of the masses. They are often devoted to doing what everyone else is doing, dressing how the multitudes dress, keeping up with the “Jones,” and thinking and living the popular way.

God, however, is not. His Word has quite a lot to say about “one.” Since He is the only God, He only needs Himself to accomplish what He wants to be done. Man cannot grasp that because his abilities are finite, and he cannot function or think like God.

Despite how the world hates His dogmatism, God is more interested in individuals and His one way rather than the world’s constantly changing philosophies.

Man’s thinking, however, rarely lines up with God’s desires. This brief study on “one” shows us more about God and how He thinks:

There is one God, not multiple “gods,” as Hinduism and other religions teach. Many religions, even “Christian” cults, may only have one god, but it is not the One described in the Word of God.
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Ex. 20:3

Only One should be prayed to, and that is Jesus, not the dead.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” I Tim. 2:5 Also: Mat. 23:9.

God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are One!
“I and my Father are one.” John 10:30

Mankind was started by one man God created: Adam. He did not evolve from lesser creatures. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Gen. 1:27 Also: Gen. 2:21.
Sin came from one man’s iniquity and was passed down to all of us!
“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:” Rom. 5:12

We are all sinners! Not one of us is even close to perfect!
“They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Psalm 14:3 Also: Rom. 3:10, 12.

There is only one Saviour, Jesus. He died for all our sins!
“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;” Heb. 10:12 Also: John 11:50.

There is only one way to Heaven! There are not “many roads” to get there.
“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

Each one is important to God.
“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10

Each one has to give an account of himself before God.
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Rom. 14:12

None can straddle God’s way and the ungodly way simultaneously. God has only one way of doing things!
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Mat. 6:24 Also: Mat. 23:10, Luke 16:13.

When a man and woman marry, they become one. “You” and “I” should become “we.”
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Gen. 2:24 Also: Mat. 19:5-6, Mark 10:8.

God often uses only one to lead His people in His direction, as He did with Moses, Ezekiel, Joshua, Jesus, John the Baptist, and the pastor of a local church. Also: Luke 3:4, John 1:23.
In groups, even Christian assemblies, there is often at least one that is against the things of God.
“Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?” John 6:70 Also: John 13:21.

Those who trust in Christ’s payment for their sins are members of His one church.
“But now are they many members, yet but one body.” I Cor. 12:20 Also: Eph. 4:4.

Each one in the body of Christ should get along with the other.
“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:2 Also: I Peter 3:8.

God cannot be understood, nor can His ways, with humanity’s faithless understanding. The Creator’s ways are often not logical to man’s comprehension because man’s thinking is limited. Despite what man teaches, God has only one way, and that is His way.

“God wants full custody, not just weekend visits.” — Author Unknown

God for All
John Bate

No one claims propriety to the oceans to the exclusion of others. The massive waters are for all nations and people to use for their interests. Oceans roll their waves against every shore and send their tides into every land, inviting the inhabitants to her riches and facilities. The oceans show they are the property of all.

So with the living God. No man can claim Him to the shutting out of others. He is the God of all for their knowledge, love, and obedience. Every intelligent being on Earth can draw from His treasury of good to the endless satisfaction of His nature.

To convince all that He is their God, He gives to all life, breath, and all things. He fans them with His influence, draws them by His love, and sends hosts of holy agents to bring them to Himself. By ten thousand attractions of love and mercy, He invites the world to plunge into His fullness and be satisfied.

“When God changes things, He usually begins with changing us.”
— Author Unknown

Valued More Than Any
Author Unknown

When Antigonus was ready to engage in a sea fight with Ptolemy’s armada, the pilot cried out, “How many are there more than we?”

The courageous king replied, “’Tis true, if you count their numbers, they surpass us, but for how many do you value me?”

When our enemies come upon us like a flood, threatening to devour us with rage and fury, let us remember though we are few and they are many, our God is the God of salvation. He must be counted for more than all that are against us.

More Careful Than Mother
C. H. Spurgeon

Look at the mother and how careful she is. If her child has a little cough, she notices it. The slightest weakness in the child will be observed.

The mother has watched all the child’s motions anxiously to see whether it walked right, if all its limbs were sound, and whether it had the use of all its powers in perfection. However, she has never thought of numbering the hairs on her child’s head. The absence of one or two of the child’s strands would give her no great concern.

Our God is more careful towards us than a mother with her child. He is so concerned about us He numbers the hairs of our heads. How safe we are beneath the hand of God!
“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Mat. 10:30

The Sailor’s Confidence
Author Unknown

When asked why he remained so calm in a fearful storm, the sailor gave an answer revealing his faith and trust. He was unsure he could swim, but the man replied, “Though I sink, I shall only drop into the hollow of my Father’s hand, for He owns all these waters.”

“When God measures a man, He puts the tape around his heart, not his head.”

God’s Uniqueness
Author Unknown

Take a straight stick and put it into the water; it will appear crooked. Why? Because we look upon it through two mediums: air and water. That is why we cannot discern it correctly.

Thus, the proceedings of God and His justice, which in themselves are straight, with the least obliquity, seem unto us crooked. It appears that wicked men are prospering, and good men are afflicted. It seems that the dishonest are succeeding, and the truthful suffer hardships. It seems the hard-working servants should ride horses, and the rich should do the walking.

These are some things that make many Christians stagger in their judgments. Why? Because they look upon God’s proceedings through a double medium: flesh and Spirit.

God’s proceedings with His justice are not discerned clearly by man. The eyes of man alone are not competent judges of God’s actions.

The BIBLE VIEW #893 — Wages of Sin

In This Issue:

When God’s Hand of Blessing Was Removed
Wrath of God
God’s Restraint
Curse of Sin
A Free Pardon

Volume: 893 January 16, 2023
Theme: Wages of Sin

Start your day with some good news from the Bible! Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M to receive the DAILY VIEW devotion. The daily e-mail includes a KJV chapter, a brief commentary of something taught in that chapter, and more spiritual food for the hungry soul.

When God’s Hand of Blessing Was Removed
Bill Brinkworth

The Bible has recorded that when people disobeyed or disregarded God’s commandments, their sin would cost them much. It is clear, by the countless examples in the Word of God, that no person or country gets away with iniquity.

Here are a few biblical examples of what a people did to lose God’s blessing and to be cursed by the Almighty:

God cursed Adam and Eve, all their future generations, and the earth (Genesis3:14-19) because of Adam’s and Eve’s disobedience.
God cursed Canaan with slavery (Gen. 9:25) because of Ham’s sexual sin (Gen. 9:22).
God destroyed Sodom, Gomorrah, and two other cities (Deut. 29:23) because of their wickedness (Gen. 13:13).
God removed qualified, honorable, experienced God-approved leadership (Isaiah 3:1-3). He then allowed inexperienced, youthful men (Isaiah 3:4-5) and those whose leadership would harm their country (Isa. 3:12) to rule.
God allowed foreigners to invade Israel (Judges 6:1-6) and to take away Israel’s freedoms, belongings, and peace.
God allowed Israel’s place of worship, Jerusalem, to be destroyed (Nehemiah 1:3) because the people did not keep God’s commandments (Neh. 1:7). God also allowed the people to be scattered from the land He had given them because of their sin (Neh. 1:8).

God also promised, usually to His people, that He would allow them to learn from the consequences of their sin when they violated His laws. Here are some other reasons God promised to curse people and nations when they broke His commandments:

God promised to curse those that cursed the offspring of Abram (Israel): Gen. 12:3.
God will curse those that curse their parents: Proverb 20:20.
God will curse those that do not obey the Lord’s commandments, including going “after other gods”: Deut. 11:28, Jer. 44:8.
God will curse the wicked: Pro. 3:33.
God will allow a people to go through wars, captivity, famines, pestilences, and to be disliked by other countries because they did not obey God’s words: Jer. 29:1-19.
God would allow His people to face wars and famines if they insisted on returning to the world from which Lord delivered them: Jer. 44:12.
God will curse those that do not give glory to His name: Mal. 2:2.
God cursed those that would not give Him their tithes (at least 10% of what God allowed them to earn): Mal. 3:9.

Many consequences of sin to earlier people are also occurring today. Since God never changes (Mal. 3:6, Heb. 13:8), sins He would not tolerate then will not be put up with today.

No one gets away with evilness. The people of Israel did not get away with iniquity, and neither will we!

Many say that if we do not turn from our current wicked sins, we may suffer the curse of God. According to the biblical examples, we are already facing the after-effects of God’s curse on a rebellious people. His hand, which often blessed this nation, may have been removed, and we may be suffering the same “lessons” that earlier people faced.

The curse of God is always intended to halt the violations against Him. God intends that the hardships He allowed to happen will stop iniquity, and people will turn to Him.

There is always hope for those that turn from their wickedness. When people face hard times, they usually realize they cannot handle them without God and turn toward Him in obedience.

It is possible to be blessed by God because of obedience to His commandments rather than be cursed. Hopefully, people, and eventually as a nation, will see their wickedness and turn from it.
“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

“The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.” Prov. 3:33

Wrath of God
Jonathan Edwards

The wrath of God is like great waters that are dammed for the present. The waters increase and rise higher and higher until an outlet is given. The greater the waters rise, the more rapid and destructive its course will be when the waters are loosed.

If God should withdraw His hand from the floodgate, it would immediately fly open. The floods of the fierceness and wrath of God would rush forth with inconceivable fury and come upon you with omnipotent power. If your strength were ten thousand times greater than it is, yea, ten thousand times greater than the strength of the stoutest, sturdiest devil in Hell, it would be nothing to withstand or endure it.

“No one gets away with any sin!”

God’s Restraint
Jonathan Edwards

The bow of God’s wrath is bent, and the arrow is ready on the string. His justice aims the arrow at your heart and strains His bow. It is nothing but the mere pleasure of God, and that of an angry God, without any promise or obligation that keeps the arrow one moment from being made drunk with your blood.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

Curse of Sin
Dr. J. Parker

Oh, sin! How hast thou curst us! Thou hast thrown up a barrier between ourselves and God; with thy chilling breath, thou hast extinguished the light of our household joys. Thou hast unstrung our harp and filled the air with discordant cries. Thou hast unsheathed the sword and bathed it in human blood. Thou hast dug every grave in the Earth’s bosom, but for thee, we should not have known the name of widow or orphan, tear and sigh, and sorrow and death, but for thee our hearts would not have known pain.

A Free Pardon
C. H. Spurgeon

A prisoner was taken out to die, and as he rode along in the death cart, his heart was heavy at the thought of his demise. None would cheer him from the watching throng. The gallows tree was in sight and blotted out the sun for him. But lo, his prince came riding up in hot haste, bearing a free pardon.

Then the man opened his eyes, and he returned to happy consciousness as if he had risen from the dead. The sight of his prince had chased all gloom away. He declared that he had never seen a fairer countenance in all his days. When he read his pardon, he vowed that no poetry should ever be dearer to his heart than those few lines of sovereign grace.

Friends, I remember well when I was in that death cart, and Jesus came to me with a pardon. Death and Hell were before me, but I rejoiced exceedingly when I saw the nail prints in his hands, feet, and the wound in his side.

When he said, “Thy sins, which are many, are all forgiven thee,” I thought I never saw such loveliness before and never heard such music in all my days. Eternity itself shall never disclose anything sweeter. My pardoning Lord hath no peer nor rival. Oh, what a Christ is He who appeared to me, a guilty, condemned sinner, and on the way to Hell! Blessed be His name. Jesus bore my curse, shame, and death, and I am free!

“Life has taught me to forgive much and to seek forgiveness still more.”
— Bismarck

The BIBLE VIEW #892 — Watching Over Us

In This Issue:
Thank You for Slowing Me Down
Ouch! It’s Prickly!
Follow the Detour

Volume: 892 January 16, 2023
Theme: Watching over Us

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Thank You for Slowing Me Down
Bill Brinkworth

After several days of rain, water dripped off leaves, trees, and rocks. Soon, small ribbons of water trickled down the mountainside. Meandering driblets eventually joined others, and quickly rivulets grew in size and sped down the mountain.

A closer observation revealed that the speeding waters did not head toward the valley in a straight line. Natural obstacles detoured the flow in unnatural directions. The rushing waters wandered left, right, down into a washout the waters created, blocked by a rock, over the natural dam, left and again to the right. Seemingly haphazardly, the flow wandered down to the lower ground.

Because of God’s design, even the water flow and how it was diverted caused little washout. If the gushing waters had their way, they would have eroded much of the hillside, uprooted trees, caused mudslides, and ravished havoc on the area. Thank you, Lord, for even watching over the water flow.

The difficult hazards we face may also preserve us more than we realize. Left to follow our lusts and desires, without stopping or deterring us from wrong behavior and decisions, we would race to destruction, ruining our lives and those of others.

A grade failure, car breakdown, lost job, illness, or a broken relationship may be more of a help than a hindrance, especially if a person affected is God-controlled. Only He knows what could have happened to us if obstacles did not change our self-destroying directions.

We may not like the “roadblocks” or deterrents keeping us from the way we thought was best. However, it may be a God-directed obstacle diverting us to His better direction rather than our destructive one.

The obstacles we encounter may not be as bad as we believe. They may keep us from a more tumultuous life and an early grave.

We certainly should not want our lives to be a “washout.” Thank you, Lord, for loving and protecting us. You keep us safe even when we do not have the sense to know that our will and way may not be the right and best direction for us.

“O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.” Psalm 25:20

Ouch! It’s Prickly!
Bill Brinkworth

Many natural things are “prickly.” Thorns are the natural defense of many roses, orange trees, and weeds. Grabbing hold of a prickly stem results in one letting it go and coming up with another plan.

God uses the “pricks” of uncomfortable moments to change our direction. He did this in Saul’s life as the unsaved but religious man traveled on the road to Damascus.
“And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” Acts 9:5

Saul had spent much of his life trying to serve God his way. Unfortunately, he did not detect nor heed the “pricks” God sent in His life to put him in the right direction.

Pricks that Saul, later renamed Paul, ignored:
Pricked ears – When Saul heard the preachers of the Gospel, he did all he could to stifle their preaching. Instead of pricking his conscience so he could change his wrong path, it angered him and encouraged him to do more to silence Christians.

Young Saul (Paul) even held the coats of those that stoned the preacher, Stephen. While Saul stood there, he probably heard the Word of God as at other times when he was around Christians. Still, he held to his religion, even when the people of God preached and warned against it.

Pricked eyes – Undoubtedly, Saul saw Christianity in action. He saw families split, people die, and heartache inflicted. In all the trouble he instigated against Christians, he saw they had a peace that he surely did not have or understand. He was like his name-sake, King Saul, who persecuted righteous David.

Pricks that others ignore:
Pricked by circumstances: Hard times, sickness, failures, testings, aggravating situations, disasters, etc., are often meant to draw us closer to God and make us trust Him more. Instead, folks often grow farther from the source of strength they need.

Pricked ears: Perhaps, God sent a godly mother, grandmother, neighbor, friend, Sunday school teacher, or let us hear a preacher on TV, but still, His invitation was ignored.

Pricked eyes: Many have seen bits of the Word of God in tracts and good Christian testimonies, yet their example has been ignored.

Too often, God’s “pricks” to our hearts and lives are ignored. What does God have to do to you to get your attention and obedience?

“The greater thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are going.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes

Follow the Detour
Bill Brinkworth

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6

No one likes the aggravation of being slowed down to going to his destination by a road detour. One has to change direction another way. We are not in control and must follow someone else’s plan to get us to where we want to go.

“Who do those construction people think they are? Making me go this long way. I just want to go a little way down the road.” However, we obey the signs and the flagman and get there safely. We may not have been able to say that if we did not heed those diverting our direction.

Too many ignore the “flagman” God has put in our path to move them in another direction — His way. Maybe that test you failed, even though you “studied your brains out,” was a “flagman” to get you to know and later witness to a tutor or to get you to study more efficiently. If you cheated and passed, you would not have gone down the road God had planned for you.

Maybe the family split, although not God’s first plan, has something you could learn. Sticking it out and praying through the problem may have helped you, so divorce never happens to you, or you can minister to others in that situation. Running away from that situation would be going through the “detour,” and you would not have learned what God intended for you to get out of the experience.

Use your imagination to see how God could use the “bad” things in your life for His glory and your good. He is aware of the “roadblock” you experienced or are experiencing. God may have allowed it in your life, so you would spiritually grow or be strengthened.

A Christian should be sensitive to the leading as well as the halting of the Lord. Give Him credit for all that happens in your life. Let him direct you!

“Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in the difficulties.” — C. S. Lewis

The BIBLE VIEW #891 —Love

In This Issue:
Love Is…
When Love Is Missing
Family Love

Volume: 891 January 9, 2023
Theme: Love

Love Is…
Bill Brinkworth

The apostle Paul saw how essential it was to have a love for others. This love is not the lust or the emotion the unsaved understand. It is a love and concern that only a Christian can truly understand and have.

The indwelling Spirit of God can make it possible for one to love others in a way that is impossible without God’s help. Here is what God, through Paul’s writings, said genuine love is (I Corinthians 13:4-8):

A Christian’s love for others should be long-lasting and allow one to see and handle life differently. Seeing people and this world through the eyes of love will change one’s life completely.

“People don’t care how much you know until they first know how much you care.”
— Author Unknown

When Love Is Missing
Bill Brinkworth

“Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,” II Timothy 3:3

One of the 19 sins Paul said (II Timothy 3) would occur in these last days may be the root of many terrible occurrences we commonly see today. That loveless iniquity is “without natural affection.”

It is natural for a mother to love her children. Yet, many mothers today allow their unborn babies to be killed inside them rather than being inconvenienced by the upbringing of their offspring. Too many fathers have also abandoned their children and wives for selfish desires.

Most should naturally love and honor parents, yet many have opposed their mothers, fathers, and siblings in courts of law. Newspaper articles too frequently report how an angry child even murdered their parent or family member.

Perhaps, because of the desensitization created by heartlessly allowing unborn babes to be butchered, life is not respected and honored as it should. It may also be the reason for increased murders and suicides.

The sin of not naturally loving people may also explain why parents do not live up to their responsibility of raising their children. Not naturally loving others may also be the culprit iniquity behind divorces and broken relationships.

Because of the lack of natural affection, some government leaders have more concern for their gain, power, and agendas than they do about the welfare of citizens. Many teachers have swayed their charges to their political and social thinking rather than what is best, practical, and moral for the young minds they selfishly control. A natural love for others is sadly missing in our society.

It should be natural to love ourselves and others. That act has been why so many civilizations have grown and socially prospered. Those that did not nurture the innate ability to love and care for life have floundered and failed.

Without love, people will not have peace and joy. Hatred will be a nagging canker filling voids in lives and society.

Love yourself and others, as God in Heaven has loved you.
“Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 19:19
And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” Luke 10:27

“Love is the doorway through which the human soul passes from selfishness to service and from solitude to kinship with all mankind.” — Author Unknown

Through Thick and Thin
Deb McCoy

Mom, throughout my life, you taught me by example every step of the way,
Though many times I stumbled and knew you continued to love me as I began to stray.
I remember your bravery when dad took his life,
I became angry and rebellious as it pierced through me like a knife.

Our lives changed forever at that moment in time,
But your choice was to keep going onward no matter how steep the climb.
I promised to take care of you the rest of your days,
Though it was your unconditional love for me that always paved the way.

No obstacle was insurmountable regardless of how hard,
Each one had a lesson though we struggled and were left scarred.
We poured out our hearts to one another during our time of grief,
Unanswered questions of why a husband and father could take his life and leave us in disbelief.

Mom, it was during those times that I saw the depths of your love,
Your inspiring example to set my sights up above.
Brokenness was upon us as a missing link in a chain,
But tragedy led to triumph through all the suffering and the pain.

I was miserable and in need of peace as everywhere I did search,
Then you asked me to consider my first ever visit to church.
It was then that God did tug at my heart,
Born again, I became salvation to impart.

It wasn’t long after that we did learn of your cancer,
Looking to God in prayer for a miracle to answer.
Mom, your strength and courage throughout your life left a godly legacy,
You taught me that dying to your own desires and pouring your life into someone else is how to live most blessedly.

It is through selflessness that we become truly fulfilled,
How blessed I was to care for you because helping others is the message you instilled.
My heart was broken to see you suffer in torment and anguish,
Seeing you deteriorate how I felt hopeless and did languish.

Though a burden you did not wish to be,
Love is deeper than any encumbrance you see.
You never complained and you fought to the end,
I miss you so much and each day together we did spend.

Mom, your inspiration will guide me all the days of my life on Earth. I cannot wait to see you again. I’m so thankful for Christ’s death on the cross, for saving me, and giving me the new birth.

How I wish you could have a glimpse into my heart as I have written this in dedication to you. Thank you for everything, Mom.

“Love isn’t like a reservoir. You’ll never drain it dry. It’s much more like a natural spring. The longer and the farther it flows, the stronger, deeper, and the clearer it becomes.” — Cantor

No Greater Love
Bill Brinkworth

Jesus’ death was very important for every person who has ever lived. As the only Son of God, His death was the only payment that God will accept for our sins. Essential and planned as it was, it was not an easy death for Jesus. His malefactors were very cruel to Him.

Although the other Gospel’s accounts of His death give more details of what occurred at Jesus’ demise, this chapter tells some of what happened. Here in John 19, we read that:

Jesus was mocked (John 19:3, 5).
Jesus was beaten (John 19:3).
Jesus had to drag His heavy cross to Golgotha (John 19:17).
Jesus was crucified between two criminals (John 19:18).
Jesus’ clothing was thought more precious than His life by some and was gambled for (John 19: 23-24).
Jesus’ mistreatments were displayed in front of His mother (John 19:25).
Jesus was pierced in His side after His death (John 19:34).

God’s son took all these abuses, and more, so that He could be the means of payment for all our sins. It was such a sacrifice that Jesus was willing to undergo for us. His sacrifice for what we have done wrong (sin) caused Him to endure so much brutality. To make His death even more meaningful, Jesus knew all that He would face ahead of time; yet, He tolerated it all for us. What a matchless love Jesus has for us.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13

The BIBLE VIEW #890 — Christian Example

In This Issue:
It Could Have Been Me
A Child of God Should Be…
I Am A Soldier

Volume: 890 January 1, 20239
Theme: Christian Example

It Could Have Been Me
Bill Brinkworth

Thank you, Lord. I am grateful for your mercy, love, and all the “second, third… hundredth…” chances you have given me.

I was saved. So many had the opportunity, did not trust Christ as their Saviour, and sooner than they expected, they died. As far as anyone knows, they are in Hell! It could be me that died lost!
I did many terrible things, and many horrible events happened to me, but I did not die. It could have been me that perished because of my foolishness! God protected me so that I could get saved and serve Him. So many did fewer dumb things than I did and perished.
I am glad after I got saved that I took my salvation seriously. I studied the Bible, attended church, did my best to obey what God showed me to do, and served Him with all my heart. So many also got saved, did nothing for the Lord, died, and now they must surely be regretting their mistakes.
I am overwhelmed that God gave me opportunities and used me to do His will. There are many more intelligent, talented people that could have done so much for Him but did not. They wasted much of their life when they could have done great things for the Lord and society. It could have been me that was useless to the cause of Christ.
I am so appreciative that I learned proper biblical doctrines. God allowed me to have excellent Bible preachers, teachers, and friends. So many, brighter than I, believed unbiblical teachings, followed the wrong doctrines and did not please the Lord. Because of their ignorance of His truths, they were, often unknowingly, disobedient to His Word. It could have been me that followed the wrong Spirit and false teachings.

My realizations are not meant as boastings. I recall that God even used a donkey to do His bidding by talking to a man of God (Number 22:28). So, if He can use a donkey, He can certainly use me. We both were willing, and you?

“He that turneth from the road to rescue another, turneth toward his goal; he shall arrive by the footpath of mercy; God will be his guide.” — Henry VanDyke

A Child of God Should Be…
Bill Brinkworth

Christians are often the only source the unsaved see that glorifies our God, His will, and His way. Godly men and women should represent Him by living differently than those not born again.

Here, in this study on the “man of God,” men, and in most cases women, can see how their lifestyle should be. A saved person should be:

A Christ-like example.
“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” I Timothy 6:11
“That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” II Timothy 3:17

A blessing to others, as was Moses.
“And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.” Deuteronomy 33:1

A praying person and a leader, as was Moses.
“A Prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.” Psalm 90:1
“Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17

Honorable, knows the mind of God, is known from afar, and someone to go to when there’s a problem, as was Samuel.
“And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go.” I Samuel 9:6

Able to “hear” and be obedient to God, as was a man of God during Jeroboam’s day.
“And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD unto Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense.” I King 13:1
“The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the LORD.” I King 13:5

Speaks and knows the truth, as did Elijah.
“And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.” I Kings 17:24

Speaks for God.
“And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the LORD.” I Kings 20:28

Trusts God, as did Elijah.
“And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty… 14 Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight….” II Kings 1:10-14

Obeys God’s commandments (“law”), as did Solomon.
“And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required: the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded.” II Chronicles 8:14

Able to discern what to do in many situations.
“But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim.” II Chronicles 25:7

Chastised by the Lord when necessary.
“And when the prophet that brought him back from the way heard thereof, he said, It is the man of God, who was disobedient unto the word of the LORD: therefore the LORD hath delivered him unto the lion, which hath torn him, and slain him, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake unto him.” I Kings 13:26

“If you want your neighbor to see what the Christ spirit will do for him, let him see what it has done for you.” — H. Beecher

I Am A Soldier
Author Unknown

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” II Timothy 2:3

I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my commanding officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, prayer, and God’s Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity, and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in His army, and I have enlisted for eternity. I will either retire at the rapture or die in His army, but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or be pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable. If my God needs me, I am there. If He needs me in the Sunday school to teach the children or work with the youth, if He needs me to work with the adults, He can use me because I am there.

I am a soldier! I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up. I am a soldier!

No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me. I am a soldier! I’m not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name, and building His kingdom. No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, coddled, cradled, cared for, or be catered to. I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around, and I cannot be discouraged enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead. If I win, my God is the reason, and He will continue to supply all my needs.

I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ. The devil cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me, and Hell cannot handle me. I am a soldier! Even death cannot destroy me.

When my commander calls me from His battlefield, He will promote me to captain and then allow me to rule with Him. I am a soldier in His army, and I am marching and claiming the victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around. I am a soldier marching Heaven bound. Here I stand! Will you stand with me?

“Loyalty that will do anything, that will endure anything, that will make the whole being consecrate to Him, is what Christ wants. Anything else is not worthy of Him. — Burdett Hart