Category: 2026

The BIBLE VIEW #1057 —Salvation

In This Issue:
“I Have a Mighty Castle”
The Captured Bird
Take Me to the Other Side
The Sacrifice for Others
The Last Two Words

Volume: 1057   July 20, 2026
Theme: Salvation

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“I Have a Mighty Castle”
From a story by Charles H.  Spurgeon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Lord also attacks this battlement.  The Lord’s commanding voice shouts, “Salvation is of the Lord.  It is not of man; it is of God.  I can save even the worst sinners.  This sword, you see, cuts two ways; it cuts pride down, and then it cleaves the skull of despair.  If any man says he can save himself, it halveth his pride at once.  If another man says he cannot be saved, it dasheth his despair to the earth, for it affirms that he can be saved when he truly sees salvation is of the Lord.  I came to save all who would believe and trust that Jesus’ payment for sin is the only way to victory!”
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

“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



The Captured Bird
D. L. Moody

A little Irish boy had caught a sparrow.  The poor little bird was trembling in his hand and seemed very anxious to escape.

A gentleman begged the boy to let it go, as the bird could not do him any good; but the boy said he would not, for he had chased it three hours before he could catch it.  The man tried to reason with the boy, but in vain.  At last, he offered to buy the bird.  The boy agreed to the price, and the payment was made.

Then the gentleman took the poor little thing and held it out on his hand.  The boy had been holding it very fast, for the boy was stronger than the bird, just as Satan is stronger than we are.  There the creature sat for a time, scarcely able to realize the fact that it had liberty.  In a little while, it flew away, chirping, as if to say to the kind man, “Thank you!  Thank you!  You have redeemed me.”

That is what redemption is — buying back and setting free.  So Christ came to break the fetters of sin, to open the prison doors, and set the sinner free.  This is the Good News, the Gospel of Christ.
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” I Peter 1:18-19

“Salvation is free for you because someone else paid for it.”
— Author Unknown

“Take Me to the Other Side!”
Charles Spurgeon

A slave was once sent by his master on an errand that did not suit him.  He did not want to go, but he went as his master commanded him.  When he came to a river, he turned back and said, “Master, I came to a river, and I could not swim across it.”

“Well, was there not a ferry boat to take you across?”

“Yes, there was a ferryboat, but the man who manned the boat was on the other side.”

“Well,” said the master, “did you call to the ferryman to come and take you across?”

No, he did not think of doing that, as he did not wish to go over.  He was glad to find an excuse. 

Now, it is true, sinner, that you cannot save yourself, but there is One who can.  There is a “ferryboat”, and there is a Ferryman.  Cry to Him!  Cry to Him, “Master, across this river be pleased to take me; I cannot swim it, but thou canst bear me over it.  Oh!  Do for me what I cannot do for myself!  Make me be accepted!”

 If you seek the Lord, he will be found by you.
“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

The Sacrifice for Others
Talmage

During a plague many years ago in Marseilles, thousands died.  One day, the College of Physicians met and resolved that a victim of the plague should be dissected so that the physicians might know how to treat the disease.

There was silence among the physicians, for it was known that whoever undertook that dissection would lose his own life.  After a while, Dr. Guyon stepped forth and said, “I will do the work.”

The next morning, he made his will.  The doctor prepared for death.  He entered the dissecting room and did what he promised to do.  He wrote down the result of his observation, and in twelve hours, he died.

“Oh,” you say, “what a wonderful self-sacrifice that was!” The Lord Jesus Christ looked out on this plague-stricken world.  He saw its sins must be “dissected”.  He came down, and He entered the hospital of the world’s suffering.  He made His will, giving all things to His dear people.  Of our plague, He died; the well for the sick, the pure for the impure, the good for the bad, the God for the man.

The Last Two Words
Author Unknown

 A young woman spent much of her life seeking every pleasure she could find.  One day, a friend told her what the Bible said about what one must do to receive God’s promise of Heaven.  She turned aside a friend’s appeal for her soul by saying, “I only want time enough, when I die, to say two words to the Lord, ‘Save me!’”

Throughout the rest of her life, she had other opportunities to be saved, but she put them off, too.  Her heart hardened to any spiritual interests and only sought the pleasures this world could offer her.

Suddenly, without any warning, she was struck with an incurable disease.  Death was only minutes away.  From her hospital bed, she was only able to wail in despair another two words: “Too late!  Too Late.”

“Faith is the pencil of the soul that pictures heavenly things.”
– Thomas Burbridge

The BIBLE VIEW #1055 —Standing Firm

In This Issue:
Marked Men  God’s Will
Imitators of Christ
The Rooted Christian
Dare to be a Christian

Volume: 1055   July 6, 2026
Theme: Standing Firm!

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Marked Men
Bill Brinkworth

In the Word of God, several men and groups have been or will be physically and visibly marked by God.  At a glance, it was or will be possible to tell for whom they stood.  Were they standing for the cause of Christ, or did they choose to stand against God?

The first man to be marked by God was Cain, the murderer of his brother, Abel.  God cursed Cain for his sin by promising that his farming efforts would be for naught, and that he would spend the rest of his life without a permanent home; he would be a vagabond (Genesis 4:12).   To keep others from killing Cain, God placed a mark on Cain. 

The Bible does not further describe what this mark was.  Whatever the branding was, one look at Cain, and the people knew he was under the special care of God, and that none should harm him.

Others who will be marked include 144,000 Jewish, virgin men who will be a group of soul-winners at the beginning of the future seven-year tribulation (Rev. 7:3-8).  God will place His seal, His marking, on their foreheads (Rev. 7:3). 

The marking will be God’s name (Rev. 14:1), and it will clearly identify them as servants of God at a time when the inhabitants of Earth will not tolerate anyone who stands for God.

Those evangelists will win many to the cause of Christ and pluck many out of Hell’s grasp.  Their efforts will result in their deaths, but they will have a special position in Heaven for their stand for Christ.

Another group that will voluntarily have a mark placed on their hand or forehead will also be seen during the tribulation period (Rev. 13:15-18).  They will be told they cannot buy or sell unless they have the mark of 666 placed on them.  In doing so, they will be branding themselves as part of the anti-Christ’s and false prophet’s systems. 

Those “survivors” might temporarily be able to get food and other essentials.  However, they will mark themselves as enemies of God and will end up in Hell!  

These, and others in the Bible, were visibly identified as being for or against God.  Although we are not marked physically, we, too, can be “marked.” 

God knows the sway of our hearts and our allegiance to Him, or are we opposing Him?  He knows what we do for Him and the value we place on abiding by His commandments.  We are “marked” in His eyes.

The unsaved world can also often see how we, who claim to be Christians, are “marked”.  They see whether we are boldly living for Him or shamefully back down from following or believing biblical principles to blend in with those around them.  

Our refusal to pray in a public restaurant, in fear of what others think, will mark us as being like all others who do not claim to be Christians.  A cowardly decision not to tell our friends and acquaintances about God’s way of salvation or other biblical teachings will also brand us as being like everyone else, in their eyes.  

However, a verbal stand for biblical righteousness when we may receive persecution from others, will boldly mark us for whom we stand in God’s eyes and in the eyes of onlookers. 

The world is looking for those with the Truth.  They do not know where to look.  Unfortunately, many are looking in the wrong places for answers. Be the example they need to see! 

If you are a Christian, and cross paths with those unsaved, what markings are they seeing in your behavior and character?  Do they know from your actions and words that you are a child of God, or have you hidden Who you are standing for?  For which side are you marked: God’s or Satan’s?
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Jos. 24:15

“Your walk talks louder than your talk talks.”  — Author Unknown

God’s Will
Edited from an article by D. L Moody

When the War between the States started, an elderly woman shook an iron fire-poker threateningly at the enemy troops.  She said, “I can’t do much with it, but I can show what side I’m on.”  My friends, even if you can’t do much, you can still show which side you belong to.

“None preaches better than the ant, and she says nothing.”
— Benjamin Franklin

Imitators of Christ
Edited from an article by C. H. Spurgeon

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;”  Ephesians 5:1

Imitate God, not as slaves might imitate their master unwillingly, dreading the crack of his whip, but loving, willing imitators, such as children are.  

You do not urge your children to imitate you, but they do so even in their games.  See how the boy rides his wooden horse as does his father, and the girl imitates her mother, who takes care of her.  

The minister’s little boy tries to preach like his father, and you all see the tiny girl with a Bible in front of her and an ancient pair of spectacles upon her nose, saying, “ Now I’m grandmamma.” They copy us naturally.  They cannot help it.

Such will be the holiness of the genuine Christian.  He is born from above, and hence he lives above.  

His imitation of God springs out of his relationship to God.  Holiness must be spontaneous, or it is spurious.  We cannot be driven to holiness like a mule to its plowing.  We must delight in the law of God after the inward man.

Be imitators because you do not wish for anything better than to be like your Father.  Have no ambition in the world except for the aspiration to be holy, even as God is holy.

“Behavior is a mirror in which everyone shows their image.”

The Rooted Christian
Edited from an Article by C. H. Spurgeon

I saw, one day, several beech trees forming a thicket.  They had all fallen to the ground during a storm.  When developing as young saplings, they leaned upon one another to a great extent, and the thickness of their neighbors’ roots and trunks prevented each tree from getting a firm hold of the soil.  

They kept each other up, but also constrained each other from growing tall, healthy, and with proper root growth.  When a storm forced down the first few trees, the others readily followed, one after the other.

Close to that same spot, I saw another tree still standing in solitary strength.  The same hurricane had beaten upon it, but it had endured all its force.  That lone, brave tree seemed better rooted and able to withstand the storm because it grew apart from the others.

I thought, “Is this not also true with many professors of Christ?” They often hold together and help each other grow up, but if they do not have a firm personal root-growth, when a stormy trial arises they will fall in rows with others who are not living godly lives.

When a minister dies or certain leaders are taken away, church members sometimes spiritually fall.  The loss of their spiritual leader caused them to fall, as they had no spiritual stability or growth of their own.

Be self-contained!  Each one of you should be growing in Christ independently.  Each being rooted and grounded in God’s love, faith, and obedience to His Word.  Then, when the worst “storm” blows upon your life, you will not fall as do others.

Dare to be a Daniel

The words to Phillip Bliss’s 1873 Sunday school song encourages Christians to stand up for what is right, no matter what:

Standing by a purpose true,
Heeding God’s command,
Honor them, the faithful few!
All hail to Daniel’s band!
Chorus: Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known.

Many mighty men are lost
Daring not to stand,
Who for God had been a host
By joining Daniel’s band.
Chorus

Many giants, great and tall,
Stalking through the land,
Headlong to the earth would fall,
If met by Daniel’s band.
Chorus

Hold the Gospel banner high!
On to vict’ry grand!
Satan and his hosts defy,
And shout for Daniel’s band.
Chorus

“A good example has twice the value of good advice.”  — Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #1054 —Judgments

In This Issue:
History’s Most Frightening Event!
Good Works Will Not Spare Anyone
The Judge on the White Throne
Born Twice, Die Once!

Volume: 1054   June 29, 2026
Theme: The Judgments

History’s Most Frightening Event!
Bill Brinkworth

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.  12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.  14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.  This is the second death.  15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:11-15

The most frightening event in human history, for too many, is foretold in Revelation 20.  It will be the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11).  The saved believers and Israel will have been previously judged, so this will not be for them.  This judgment is for the lost and unrighteous only!

All the unrighteous from the beginning of mankind until those that died before the rapture (I Thes. 4:16-17) will be there, standing and awaiting their time of judgment before the perfect, most righteous Judge ever — God Himself.

Both the unrighteous from the Old and New Testaments will nervously await their time before the One who saw and knows all they did.  Christian killers, God-haters, unbelievers, educated and uneducated, church-goers and those that never went to church, those “good” in their own eyes, and countless masses that thought they would go to Heaven, but did not,  will await their time before the Great Throne.  They will all be judged out of the record of their works from God’s own books (Rev. 20:12).

The seas, with the remains of many that were lost in their waters, will deliver up all the unsaved (Rev. 20:13) from their depths.  Those who have been dead for a long time and dwelt in Hell (Rev. 20:14), awaiting their judgment, will all have their opportunity before the throne of God.

All that are not found written in God’s Book of Life will be cast into the place where they will stay forever (Rev. 20:15)!  This group, without hope and with a grim future, will all be thrown into the Lake of Fire.  It is there that those cursed by God will spend their eternity.

This most grievous event should break the heart of every Christian on Earth.  Most families will have someone who will stand at that White Throne Judgment.  There will be mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, neighbors, friends, members of all races and religions, nations, and ages. 

The thought of all the hopeless souls cast into everlasting torment, their loneliness, and terror should be a life-changing image to every Christian.  The thought of those countless numbers should motivate every Christian to give the only message that can save anyone from that final judgment — the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Jesus died so no one has to stand before God at that time.  Jesus did His part, now we must do our part.  We must tell all we can and warn them of this terrible future for all who reject Jesus’ work on the Cross.  Speak to them now, for the final days are one day closer than they were yesterday!  If we do not tell them, who will?

“A Christian’s responsibility is to take all they can to Heaven with them! Go and tell them now!”


Good Works Will Not Spare Anyone
Edited from J. Vernon McGee’s Thru the Bible

A man on his deathbed said to me, “Preacher, you just don’t need to talk to me about the future.  I’ll take my chances.  I believe God is going to be just and righteous and let me present my works.”

I told him, “You are right.  He is just and righteous, and He will let you present your works.  That is what He says He is going to do (Rev. 20:12).  But, I have news for you, at that judgment nobody will be saved because you cannot be saved by your works (Eph. 2:8-9).  When you stand in the white light of the righteous presence of God, your little works will seem so puny that they won’t amount to anything at all.”
“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

It reminds me of the other day when our little grandson brought his grandmother some flowers that he had picked.  They were a sad-looking bunch of flowers.  With great pride, he gave them to his grandmother, who patted him on the head and thanked him for the “lovely” flowers. 

As I looked at the two, I could not help but smile.  Still, I also immediately recognized how solemn it is going to be when a lot of those “good” boys stand with their little, bitty bouquets in the presence of Christ, whom they had rejected.  They expect that He will be like a grandmother who will pat them on the head and say, “What a smart boy you were!”

My friend, that will be a solemn time.  You need Him as your Saviour to stand in His presence.  You need to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ.  Don’t you know that without salvation through the finished work of Christ we are sinners, lost, and will stand at the White Throne Judgment?

“Our works will not save us from eternal flames.  Only accepting the work that Christ has done for us will save anyone.  Jesus paid the price for our sins.  Our ‘payments’ are unacceptable and insufficient!”

The Judge on the White Throne
Dr. Jack Van Impe in Revelation Revealed

How does one know that the tender, loving Jesus is the One who sits upon the throne as Judge?  The answer is found in John 5:22: “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:” Again, the Father “… hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.”  (John 5:27)

The One raised from the dead, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the Judge, according to Acts 17:31: “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”

What a solemn scene as unregenerate mankind comes face to face with God for the investigation of all their evil deeds.  Every transgressor will be present: presidents and paupers, high society snobs and skid row derelicts.  Yes, that group includes every Christ-rejecter of all ages, small and great, rich and poor, free and bond.
“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:28-29

Make no mistake about it, “… there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” Acts 24:15

“You may juggle human laws, you may fool human courts, but there is a judgment to come, and from it there is no appeal.”  – Gifford

Born Twice, Die Once!
M. R. DeHaan in Revelation

Someone has said, “They that are born once will have to die twice, and they who have been born twice will die once.”  This statement is entirely true (John 3:3), excluding those who are alive at the time of the rapture (I Thes. 4:16-17). 

It is true that all who have been born of Adam’s seed will die twice: once in physical death, and the second time, in the Lake of Fire.  If, however, you have been born twice (John 3:5), once naturally and again spiritually (John 3:3), there will be no eternal death for you.

“Are you absolutely, 100% positive that if you were to die today that you would
go to Heaven?”
“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

The BIBLE VIEW #1053 — Service

In This Issue:
Do When You Are Able
Work While You Can
A Last Effort

Volume: 1053   June 22, 2026
Theme:  Service

Do When You Are Able
Bill Brinkworth

After hearing a missionary talk about his plans when he reaches his field of service, my heart was crushed.  He spoke of the ministries in which he was currently involved.  The list was long.  I thought, “I used to do those ministries.”  I never wanted to be “I-used-to-be” Christian, and now it seemed I was.

He mentioned that he had taught and preached in public schools in America.  I was excited for him.  I always wanted to expand my children’s ministry to the public schools, but there were no open doors for me.  

That man of God suggested that he could use more helpers in that area.  I wanted to hoist my hand up and sign on the dotted line right away, but at that time, it was not a possibility.

My wife had some serious health concerns for over 11 years.  During those years, she was not able to leave the house much and was very limited in what she could do.   Because of her condition, I was also housebound while looking after her.

After continuing to listen to the missionary expound on his plans, guilt for not being able to do the ministries I had been doing for several decades weighed heavily on my heart.  I could not get his summons to teach biblical principles in the public school out of my mind.  The more I thought about it, the sadder I became.  I could not do what I used to do.

After suffering for a while, the Holy Spirit intervened in my misery.  The thought of “You have a new ministry now taking care of your wife,” soon replaced the guilty feelings I had for not being able to do what I had done in the past.  I had no qualms about helping my wife and doing what needed to be done.  It is an honor, a privilege, and a keeping of the promise: “… in sickness and health.” However, I do miss what I was able to do for so long.

I loved doing all God allowed me to do in the past.  Every single opportunity was a blessing.  I never planned for those ministries to end.  I figured, as hard as it is to get some to serve the Lord,  the Lord would certainly allow me to serve Him in those capacities to my dying day.  However, my wife’s health problems came and caught us by surprise.  In a short time, most of those opportunities ended abruptly.

I still have two ministries that I have been able to maintain, for which I am so grateful.  Then I started contemplating, “What if I wasted all my early years, and never did anything for the Lord, and now I wanted to.”  That would be a terrible regret to endure.  Yet, so many people find themselves in that situation.  When they had health and opportunity, they did little or nothing for the Lord.  It was all about them, and little was done for the Lord and others.

Most, if they live long enough, will also find themselves in the situation I faced.  Do what you can while you can for the Lord, because one day you may not be able to do for Him what you can now.   Do not waste the time the Lord has given you.  Do something for Him.  Even if it is what you consider a small, insignificant ministry, do it for the Lord while you are able.
“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.  I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10

You may not be able to do as much as you could have in the past, but there must be something you can do for the Lord now!  Your time for doing something that will bless you for eternity may end sooner than you realize.
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Eccl. 9:10
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” I Cor. 10:31

“O Father, may it never be said of us that having come to an open door, we closed it; having come to a lighted candle, we quenched it; having heard the voice of a neighbor begging bread, we made denial, speaking of our own case.” — Mc Kenzie

Work While You Can
Bill Brinkworth

“For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.  6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.  7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.” Ecclesiastes 9:5-7

Although I have never been to Hawaii, I understand it is one of the prettiest places in the world.  It has an ideal climate, beautiful scenery, and many fantastic sites to see.

Can you imagine winning a free, year-long vacation there?  With that prize, you would have free transportation, lavish hotel suites, and the finest meals.

Somehow, you did not read all the fine print regarding the vacation.  You failed to realize that anything extra, including snacks, sightseeing trips, and other extras would be at your own expense, and you did not bring any extra money.  For one year, you lived in a gorgeous place. 

However, you could not fully enjoy all it had to offer because you could only afford to sit in your luxurious room and watch the wise, prepared people enjoy one of the world’s most wonderful places.  You were there, but you were a pauper in paradise.

Sadly, for many saved people, their eternity with the Lord will be too much like that of the “pauper in paradise.” They did what God required to get them to Heaven; they got saved.  However, they did nothing with their salvation!  They did little of what the Bible commands a child of God to do, and they did little while on this Earth that would have eternal value.  They had no “portion for ever in anything ….” They did not invest their lives for the glory of God, and will certainly be lacking in a place where they will spend eternity.  Their eternal “IRA” had few deposits!

While we are alive, we are not just to sit around and soak up the goodness of God.  We are to do something for the Lord while we have breath!  Work for the Lord while there is still time! 

Do something while you can.  That is why God still has you here!  There is much work to be done for the Lord, and you are the workers God is counting on to complete His tasks! 

“The church is a workshop, not a dormitory, and every Christian man and woman is bound to help in the common cause.” — MacLaren

A Last Effort
Bill Brinkworth

“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.  2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.).” II Cor. 6:1-2

As fall approached, animal life was doing what God had programmed it to do as winter approached in the North Carolina mountains.  Squirrels were scurrying about with additions to their acorn caches.  Birds were stopping into my garden to ravish what they could before flying south.  Spiders were weaving their last webs to trap food; I suppose to lay that last egg that will bring in their next generation in the following spring.

After walking into many of the massive webs and almost having a huge spider land on me and possibly bite me, I started spraying them with spider poison.  One large spider did an unusual thing as the spray slowly took her life.

As she sat there dying, she spun one last silvery thread before her demise.  She must have known she was dying, but the spider did her best to do what she needed to do while there was still time.  Her priority was to finish that web before it was too late.

Many spend their last years as did that spider in her last moments.  For their whole life, they did as they wished; little was done for the Lord, but much was done to make life on Earth pleasurable and comfortable.  

Much effort was put into buying and building things for this life, but little, if anything, was done to prepare for the eternal next.  However, when death is seen as imminent, a sudden change is made in their lifestyle. 

They scurry about as that spider did in her last moments to do something for the Lord, finally.  Ignored righteous living, Bible reading, church-going, and prayer time get a higher priority before it is too late.  They want to prepare their life for eternity while they still have time.

It is good that they finally got their priorities right before it was too late!  Some, however few, get saved in their last years.  Many who were saved in their younger lives finally come to see obedience to God’s commandments as more important in their waning hours.

It is better now than never that they turn their lives around, but think of all the wasted time that could have been better served in living for the Lord.  Think of all the heartaches, problems, and mistakes that could have been avoided if they had lived their life His way and not their’s. 

Think of how different this world would have been if all who were saved at a younger age immediately lived for the Lord and by His standards while they had breath.  Their living example may have guided many others to live righteously as well!

Are you 100% sure that if you were to die today or tomorrow, you would go to Heaven?  Trust Christ’s death as the only payment for your sin now!  You may not have tomorrow.  Your heart may also get so hardened to the pleading of the Holy Spirit’s call for salvation that you may never get saved later.

Have you been saved in the past but are putting off doing what God has already laid on your heart to do — read your Bible, pray, attend church, get involved in a ministry …?  If so, serve Him now, as you have no promise of tomorrow, or the opportunity may be gone when you think you are ready!

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can and as long as you can.”  —   John Wesley

The BIBLE VIEW #1052 —Bad Decisions

In This Issue:
 Ruined!
If One Could Hear from Hell

Volume: 1052   June 15, 2026
Theme:  Wrong Decisions

Ruined!
Bill Brinkworth

While reading the daily news, I came across a sad story about a 19-year-old.  He had killed another teenager and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.  What a ruined life that young man is now facing, all because of a bad decision and reaction.

Because of incarceration, he will most likely not be able to experience a marriage with the love of his life, experience the joy of teaching a young son how to ride a bicycle, or have a career that he looked forward to expanding.  His life was drastically changed because of one terrible act.

My mind mused on a family member who also committed a terrible deed and how their life was also changed because of a wrong decision.  That person also missed out on a lot of joy and a more “normal” life because of the wrong act.

Then I continued to ponder on my own poor decisions and sinful deeds.  Except for traffic violations, I never committed a crime, but in God’s eye, I committed transgressions against Him.

Except for the enduring, patient grace of God, it could be me locked up and missing all the wonderful things that have happened in my life.  From those brief meditations, it was not a long stretch to think of the most likely trillions that found themselves in a tormenting Hell because they made many wrong choices.  Thank you, Lord, for keeping me from what I deserve.

As was the title of the article I read about the youth being sentenced to jail, there will be a “Judgment Day” for those who did not trust Christ as their Saviour from a tormenting eternity.  Their worst and damning decision was not to trust Christ’s death as payment for their sins and be saved.  Now, their hopeless screams resonate off Hell’s walls.  It will be a time that is much longer than 35 years. 

Hell, however, is a “temporary” holding cell for the damned dead who will one day face a judgment for their sins.  They will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment and later sentenced to eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire.  What a terrible day that will be for too many!
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.  12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.  14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.  This is the second death.  15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:11-15

The saved will never face judgment for their sins; they are forgiven when they trusted Christ’s death as payment for their sin.  However, there will be a time when those folks will also face a time to answer for what they did or did not do for Christ after their salvation.  No one is saved just to sit and soak up God’s goodness.  We are to serve Him.“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” II Corinthians 5:10
“But why dost thou judge thy brother?  or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?  for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10
“Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.  25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” Colossians 3:24-25

The young murderer has ruined his life.  I am sure he has many regrets, but those emotions will not change his future.

Likewise, those who have not been born-again by trusting Christ’s payment for all their iniquities will one day have an eternity of regrets and sufferings.  Now, while you have breath and an opportunity, trust Christ as your Saviour, if you have not done so already.

“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 Chronicles 7:14


If One Could Hear from Hell
Bill Brinkworth

“And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores … 22 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; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.  24 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 … 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.  29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.  30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.  31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”  Luke 16:20-31

In Luke 16, Jesus tells of two men who died.   One found himself in Hell.  The other found himself in a comforting, rewarding place where Abraham and other Old Testament believers temporarily dwelt.

A rich man discovered that Hell was real, and the torment was unbearable.  Most likely, he had little concern for where he would go after his death, but then it was taken seriously.  He knew there was no hope for him and that he would be facing an eternity of torment, pain, and separation from God.

However, he wanted his five, still-living brothers, to be warned of the dangers of Hell-fire.  He pleaded for the opportunity to keep his family from also ending up in that terrifying place, but his request was denied.

All in Hell surely regret the wasted opportunities they had to keep from spending an eternity there.  It is too late for them.  However, they most likely want their remaining family to avoid Hell’s torment.  I am sure they all wish their loved ones had a chance to heed the Word of God and be saved, so they would never experience what they are.

Nowhere in God’s Word is there an account of the damned conversing with the living (although deceiving demons may have tricked some).  If Hell-imprisoned prisoners or one from the dead could communicate with the living, what would be their plea?

It may be a thirst-caused raspy voice, exhausted from endless terror and torment that would reach out to a loved one.  The plead would be personal; I am sure.  “Bruce, please listen to me.  Jesus is the only way out of this dark, lonely abyss of hopelessness.  Stop mocking Hell; it is real!  Run to that Baptist church on the corner.  Beg the preacher to tell you what the Bible says you must do to avoid this torment.  What he warned us of is true!  Go now!  Pleasssse, go now.  Don’t wait!”

Perhaps a barely audible whisper from Hell would plead, “It’s me, your father.  I failed to be saved from this terrifying torment.  Don’t waste your time on Earth, as I have.  Trusting Jesus as payment for all your sins is the only way to miss Hell.  Go to our Christian neighbor next door and beg him to show you what the Bible says one must do to avoid this place.  Don’t wait!  Go now, while you have the chance!”

A pained, frightened voice from the lonely bowels of the Earth would undoubtedly beg a grandson to flee the child’s sin and to read, believe, and obey all that is within the pages of God’s Word.  “Heed it, Bobby!  It’s all true!  Read it and do as God commands in the Bible.  It’s too late for me, but not for you!  Please, Bobby.  I beg you — go!”

Although logic may tell us that hearing a cautioning cry from Hell or beyond the grave would change our minds and encourage us to live as the Lord desires, God knows better.  He knew that, as people of the early church ignored what prophets, believers, and God’s Word warned people, they would most likely continue to take God’s promises and warnings lightly.  Pleadings from the dead will not permanently change hearts.

The only action that will rescue anyone from that tormenting destination is to believe God’s saving words by faith!  Faith is what saved the poor beggar whom Christ used as an example.  He had no sign or heard no warning from a Hell-imprisoned soul.  He just believed what he had heard.

The beggar had the same conviction that billions of sinners since Jesus’ time have had.  That trusting, believing, and obeying faith is still sufficient to save a person today.  Visual or audible proof will not usually soften or change the heart of an unrighteous person.  Only believing God’s warnings and promises will allow a person to enjoy an eternity with Jesus!
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“If you put-off sincerely seeking God’s will and way today when the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart, tomorrow your heart may be too hard to hear Him!”

The BIBLE VIEW #1051 — Revival

In This Issue:
 What Is Revival?
Do You Love Your Country Enough to Pray for It?
Revival  The Moravian Revival
It Started by Prayer   If
Successful “Method”

Volume: 1051   June 8, 2026
Theme:  Revival

What Is Revival?
From an article by Charles Finney

Although many plead for revival today, their expectations of what one is come short of what a true revival is.  It is not just more people coming to church, getting more out to one’s Sunday school class, or more people being interested in the things of God.  

Charles Finney was a Presbyterian and Congregational minister of the Second Great Awakening.  He lived from 1792 to 1875.  Here are some excerpts of how Finney described what a true revival is:

  1. “The foundations of sin need to be broken up … In a true revival, Christians are always brought under conviction.  They see their sins in such a light that often they find it impossible to maintain a hope of their acceptance with God.
  2. “Revival is a new beginning of obedience with God.  The first step is a deep repentance: a breaking down of heart, a getting down into the dust before God, with humility and a forsaking of sin.
  3. “Backslidden Christians are brought to repentance … A revival is nothing else than a new beginning of obedience to God.
  4. “Christians will have their faith renewed.  While they are in their backslidden state, they are blind to the state of sinners.  Their hearts are as hard as marble.  The truths of the Bible appear like a dream … But, when they enter into a revival, they no longer see ‘men as trees, walking,’ but they see things in that strong light which will renew the love of God in their hearts.  This will lead them to labor zealously to bring others to Him.  They will feel grieved that others do not love God when they love Him so much.  And they will set themselves to persuade their neighbors to give Him their hearts.  Their love for men will be renewed and they will be filled with a tender and burning love for souls.  They will have a longing desire for the salvation of the others.…
  5. “A revival breaks the power of the world and sin over Christians … They have a new foretaste of Heaven, and new desires after union with God.  The charm of the world is broken, and the power of sin overcome.
  6. “When the churches are thus awakened and reformed, the reformation and salvation of sinners will follow.  Their hearts will be broken and changed.  Very often, the most abandoned profligates are among the subjects.  Harlots, drunkards, infidels, and all sorts of abandoned characters are awakened and converted to Christ.  The worst of human beings are softened and reclaimed, and made to appear as lovely specimens of the beauty of holiness.
  7. “When can a revival be expected?  A revival may be expected when Christians have a spirit of prayer for a revival.  That is, when they pray as if their hearts were set upon it; when they go about groaning out their heart’s desire; when they have real travail of soul.”

“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 Chronicles 7:14

Do You Love Your Country Enough to Pray for It?
Bill Brinkworth

Most would admit that America of today is not the same America that flourished and was blessed by God in the past.  There are those in government who are attempting frightening, unscriptural changes.  Others are trying to “improve” it without seeking God’s guidance and help.

Government is not the solution that will change America the right way.  Complaining amongst ourselves will not change anything either.  What has in the past, and what can change it today, is God’s help!

If Americans will humble themselves, seek God’s intervention and control of their future, America can once again be a proud, strong, moral nation.  In the past, when Americans joined each other in prayer, God has turned this nation around.  If you love this country, consistently pray for our nation.
“Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.” James 4:2

“If you put-off sincerely seeking God’s will and way today when the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart, tomorrow your heart may be too hard to hear Him!”

Revival
Excerpts by C. H. Spurgeon from the 1866 Sword and Trowel

The word “revival” is as familiar in our mouths as a household word.  We are constantly speaking about and praying for a “revival”.  Would it not be as well to know what we mean by it?  Of the Samaritans, our Lord said, “Ye worship ye know not what.” Let him not have to say to us, “Ye know not what ye ask.” 

The word “revive” wears its meaning upon its forehead.  It is from the Latin and may be interpreted as, “to live again, to receive again a life which has almost expired; to rekindle a flame which was nearly extinguished.”

When a person has been dragged out of a pond and is nearly drowned, the bystanders are afraid that he is dead, and are anxious to ascertain if life still lingers.  The proper means are used to restore animation; the body is rubbed, stimulants are administered, and if by God’s providence life still tarries in the poor clay, the rescued man opens his eyes, sits up and speaks, and those around him rejoice that he has revived. 

A young girl fainted, but after a while, she returns to consciousness, and we say, “She is revived.” 

The flickering lamp of life in adying men suddenly flames up with unusual brightness at intervals, and those who are watching around the sick bed say of the patient, “He is reviving.”

We do not expect to see the revival of a person who is dead.  There also will be no revival of a thing that never lived before.  It is clear that the term “revival” can only be applied to a living soul, or to that which once lived. 

To be revived is a blessing which can only be enjoyed by those who have some degree of life.  Those who have no spiritual life are not, and cannot be, the subjects of a revival. 

Many blessings may come to the unconverted from the consequence of a revival among Christians, but the revival itself has to do only with those who already possess spiritual life — those that are born again.  There must be vitality to some degree before there can be a quickening of vitality, or, in other words, a revival.

The Moravian Revival
Bill Brinkworth

One of the greatest revivals of God’s people occurred at the Saxony estate of Count Zinzendorf.  The young, Christian noblemen offered many Christians safety on his property.  Many at the time were fleeing imprisonment, death, banishment, and torture for their beliefs.  They fled to Zinzendorf’s and called their new home Herrnhut, ‘the Lord’s Watch’.

There, on August 13, 1727, a great revival began.  According to Oswald Smith, “They discovered that the Church could not save them, that there was no salvation in its creeds, doctrines or dogmas, good works, moral living, commandment keeping, praying, Bible reading, culture, character, or conduct. 

“They found that Christ alone could save, that He was willing and able to receive sinners at a moment’s notice, that justification, the forgiveness of sins, the new birth, etc. were instantaneous experiences received the very moment a sinner believed on Christ. It was believed that salvation was through grace and by faith, apart from the deeds of the law.  When a man is saved, he has peace with God, and he receives the assurance of salvation by the witness of the Holy Spirit in his heart.”

When these truths prevailed in their hearts, things changed!  The Moravian brethren had stopped judging each other and were convinced of their sinfulness in God’s eyes.  Divisions and discord were halted.  All were together in one accord.  Prayer groups started and spread.  Songs were written by the group and sung throughout the country.  Hearts were broken, and lives were changed.

Prayer groups started and got power from God.  A prayer chain that ensued from this revival lasted over 100 years!

People had burdens to reach others with the Good News.  The burden was so powerful that many went themselves to reach the world for Christ.  The West Indies, North America, Greenland, Africa, South America, and most countries in Europe and Asia were reached by those who were stirred.  The world was changed by God’s people when they got revived!

“A native of India, in the past, described the great revival they were experiencing as, ‘We are having a great re-Bible here’.  The church needs to be re-Bibled!” — C. E. World

It Started with Prayer
Gospel Herald

When Pastor Finney was conducting services in a certain place, a young woman came in from a neighboring town and asked him to go there and preach.  “Her utterance was choked with deep feeling.”  Mr. Finney told her he did not see how he could go, but he inquired of the place and found that it was a moral waste. 

The young woman came the next Sunday, and “appeared greatly affected; too much so to converse, for she could not control her feeling.”  The evangelist consented to go the next Sunday afternoon. After he arrived at her home, he heard her praying in a room above.  He remained in that home overnight and heard her praying and weeping nearly all night.  She pleaded with him to come again, and “at the third service the Spirit of God was poured out on the congregation.” 

A spirit of prayer spread, and the revival that followed was so powerful that “nearly all the principal inhabitants of the town were gathered into the church, and the town was morally renovated.”  That great spiritual movement began with that young woman’s prayers.

“Give me 100 men who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I will shake the world.” — John Wesley

If
Author Unknown

If all the sleeping folk will wake up,
And all the lukewarm folk will fire up,
And all the dishonest folk will confess up,
And all the disgruntled folk will sweeten up,
And all the discouraged folk will cheer up,
And all the depressed folk will look up,
And all the estranged folk will make up,
And all the gossipers will shut up,
And all the dry bones will shake up,
And all the true soldiers will stand up,
And all the church members will pray up,
Then you can have a revival.

“The monument I want after I am dead is a monument with two legs going around the world; a saved sinner telling about the salvation of Jesus Christ.” — D. L. Moody

Successful “Method”
C. A. Curry, “Western Recorder”

Following reports of successful revivals by Gypsy Smith, a certain preacher approached the noted evangelist to ascertain the secret of his success.  He was asked to explain the best method to start a revival.

The answer was, “Brother, go back home, and lock yourself up in a private room.  Take a piece of chalk and mark a circle on the floor; get down on your knees inside it; pray to God to start a revival in that circle.  When that prayer is answered, a revival will begin.”

“All it takes for nothing to change, is for good men and women to do nothing!”

The BIBLE VIEW #1050 — Hatred

In This Issue:
 Hatred and Love
The Old Nature
A Life Long Battle

Volume: 1050   June 1, 2026
Theme: Hatred

Hatred and Love
Bill Brinkworth

As biblical principles have been ignored or not taught, personal and social standards have changed drastically.  For millennia, God’s standards have been ingrained in most behaviors and have permeated society.  Those norms, however, are no longer at the forefront of social behavior, and harmful attitudes and ways have become the new standard.

Restraint over emotions and feelings is uncommon today.  Opinions rule the roost, and strong feelings against those who disagree are rampant.  Many are so vehemently opposed to any opposition that hatred is expressed.

Angry parents demand special treatment for their children, and their red-faced shouting shows their anger.  Screaming and sometimes cursing are unleashed against a politician who does not agree with what another believes.  Fistfights have broken out in government chambers over disagreements.

News anchors are no longer polite and even honest when they attack those with whom they disagree.  For much of mankind’s existence, hatred was viewed as a negative character trait, and it was most often kept private, but not now!  

Kindness and understanding are now replaced by hatred in so many walks of life.  The Bible, however, teaches and warns much about such feelings:

Hatred is not of God.
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” I John 4:8

Hatred is forbidden by God!
“Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.” Leviticus 19:17

Hatred is wicked!
‘Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.” Proverb 26:26 

Hatred is unwise.
“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” Proverbs 10:18

Hatred is damaging and hurtful!
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” Proverbs 10:12

Hatred’s root cause against Christianity can be deceptive.
“The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.” John 7:7
“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” John 15:18
“Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.” I John 3:13

Hatred will be more prevalent as we approach the end days.
“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one
another.” Matthew 24:10


However, love should be experienced, not hatred, especially for Christians:

Love should be the prevalent emotion for all!  A godly attribute is love.
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” I John 4:7
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you;” John 15:12

Love everyone, even those who hate you!
“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;” Matthew 5:44
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” Romans 12:14

Love is commanded by God!
“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.” Levitcus 19:18
“For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” I John 3:11

Love for the Lord should be great!
“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Deuteronomy 6:5
“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” I John 4:20



Hatred can lead to alienation from others, even those doing right.  The separation between people and nations should help those involved understand who is often behind the spewing of hatred and anger — Satan.

Hatred, no matter the reason or circumstances, is not of God.  It is unacceptable and destructive to people and nations.  It certainly is not the emotion our God of love desires for any of us!

“We may fight against what is wrong, but if we allow ourselves to hate, that is to insure our spiritual defeat and our likeness to what we hate.”
— George William Russell

The Old Nature
Bill Brinkworth

In Romans 6, Paul let us know that when one trusts Christ as Saviour, the sin-desiring “old man” should be dead (Romans 6:6).  That part of us was removed when one is saved.  Also, the believer’s new nature does not want to do what is against God’s desires.  On the right side of salvation, one no longer must serve the flesh’s desires.
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Romans 6:6

Romans 7 takes that understanding and explains how we are no longer under sin’s dominion and the Old Testament laws that identified the sins.  Paul likens the new arrangement of being saved to a new marriage (Romans 7:2-3).

In a marriage, one is bound to one spouse as long as they are alive.  Before we were saved, we were bound to sin until that nature died.  It led us where we allowed it to take us: into bars, adulterous relationships, bitterness, hatefulness, blasphemy, and a host of other regrettable places and feelings.  Our sinful nature was in control.

A saved person, however, is “… dead to the law by the body of Christ…” (Romans 7:6).  Our first “spouse” “died” when we got saved.  That “husband” contained over 600 Old Testament laws.

The law is important, however.  It shows us what God likes and dislikes.  From it, we learned that lying is wrong, as are adultery, deceitfulness, disobedience, rebellion, hatred, and on and on the list goes (Romans 7:7). Without the law of God, we would not have known the whole mind of God concerning sin.

The law is very hard, however.  It curses and condemns us for the sins we have committed.  When accepted, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross pays for our sins, and now one can have grace and mercy.  As Matthew Henry put it, “The sentence of the law against us is vacated and reversed by the death of Christ, to all true believers.”

For the believer, the “old man” is dead.  We can be “married” to another.  The second spouse is Christ.  We are not bound to the “old man” and His laws.  Yes, the old and new nature will still battle for control (Romans 7:18-19), but with the altered mind a Christian has, one can be free from the power of sin (Romans 6:7).
“For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?  But we have the mind of Christ.” I Corinthians 2:16

“If you are saved, you sin by choice, not by chance.” — Barbara Brinkworth



A Life Long Battle
Bill Brinkworth

A Christian may be saved on the inside, but he will still fight the temptations of the flesh until the day he dies.  Paul gives the only solution for keeping the sin-seeking human nature we were born with at bay.  That temptation-resisting advice is “… Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

To avoid life-controlling temptations and often the life-ruining consequences they bring, be wary of where suggestions to do something arise.  Recognize if the enticement comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit or what feels good to the flesh.

Paul explained some “works of the flesh” so one can avoid them.  They are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness (“lustfulness and indulgences of animal desires” 1), idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance (“disputing that causes disagreement, discord, and dissensions” 1), emulations (“contentions” 1), wrath, strife, seditions (“causing commotion”), heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like…1 (Galatians 5:19-21).  His checklist should make it easy to evaluate whether a behavior or feeling one is having is the old sin-nature controlling a person.

The preacher also listed some things that, if one were doing them, could indicate that the Holy Spirit was involved.  An old nature would have nothing to do with committing these activities, so one could know that God’s Spirit was probably engaged in them.  The “fruit of the Spirit” included: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23).

If we can detect what we are involved in or are feeling is of God, we may avoid temptation’s grasp (Galatians 5:25).  If one keeps far from sin, they will rarely be in danger of falling for iniquity’s commission!  Obey the Spirit, and one will not give the sin-desiring flesh any control.

1 Noah Webster, American Dictionary of the English Language, Facsimile First Edition, Foundation for American Christian Education, 1828

“Sin will keep you from this Book.  This Book will keep you from sin.”
— Dwight L. Moody 

The BIBLE VIEW #1049

In This Issue:
The Interpreter
The Unhindered Holy Spirit
The Comforter

Volume: 1049   May 25, 2026
Theme: Holy Spirit


The Interpreter
Bill Brinkworth

The preacher stood behind the pulpit and shared what God had laid on his heart.  All ears and eyes were attentive, especially the eyes of the small, deaf ministry sitting on the front, right side of the church.

As the pastor spoke, a deaf interpreter stood up to relay the message to the deaf congregation.  He stood between the preacher and the deaf and did his best to let the deaf “hear” what was said.

The hearing and the deaf were soon moved.  Every once in a while, a soft “amen” could be heard from the hearing congregation.  Sometimes, a loud clapping-type sound emanated from the deaf section.  It was from a non-hearing person slapping a thumbs-up fist into his open palm; it was the deaf sign language for “amen.”

On and on, the stirring message touched hearts, until an unusual thing happened to the sound system.  It stopped.  The soundman attending the system was perplexed.  He interrupted the preacher to explain while he tried to fix the equipment.

Not wanting to halt the working of the Holy Spirit, the pastor continued what the Lord had him share.  Although some in the front row could hear what was being said, many could not.  The interpreter was still close enough to hear, so he continued relaying the heart-stirring message to the deaf.

While some soft “Amen”s could still be heard, the pounding of the loud deaf’s “Amen”s increased.  More non-hearing people signed their amens in response to the message. 

One deaf lady left her seat and almost ran to the altar steps to get alone with God and get things right with Him.  Shortly, an older deaf man kneeled next to her; his face was wet with tears.  The Holy Spirit was working in the hearts of those who “heard” God’s message to them.

However, those in the back of the church heard very little.  Many looked to their neighbors with perplexed “what’s going on” looks on their faces.

There were no “amen”s coming from the back of the church, and little evidence of the Holy Spirit doing anything back there.  However, a revival was going on in the church’s front, but those towards the back were not affected.

This fictional account illustrates what happens in good, Bible-believing churches during most services.  Many hearing and non-hearing  “hear”  the message, but the “interpreter,” the Holy Spirit’s whispering to hearts is not heard, ignored, or purposely disobeyed.

Hardened, disobedient, and even unsaved hearts refuse to obey or do what the Holy Spirit has convicted them of.  In so doing, the Lord’s “voice” is not heard by them.

Many in the service have heard what the Lord would have them do, and they do it.  However, there are always some who wonder why others are excited about what was preached and are satisfied to continue daydreaming or on their cell phones while the message is delivered.

The Word of God, when preached or heard, will change lives and hearts.  Unfortunately, many sin-deafened ears do not do what is laid on their hearts.  After seeing that the Holy Spirit’s help is not obeyed, He decides to no longer speak to the person who is ignoring Him or is determined to do their own will rather than what God knows is best for them.

Are you attentive to the Holy Spirit’s attempt to interpret God’s will and way for you, or are you deaf to His prodding?  Submit to His calling, or one day He may never give you the opportunity again.

“When men surrender themselves to the Spirit of God, they will learn more concerning God and Christ and the Atonement and Immortality in a week, than they would learn in a lifetime, apart from the Spirit.”  — Brown



The Unhindered Holy Spirit
Bill Brinkworth

The Holy Spirit indwells a Christian.  Those who have trusted Christ alone as Saviour become the residence of the Spirit of God.
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” I Cor. 3:16

God’s Spirit never leaves the person, as some unbiblically teach.  The Spirit is “sealed,” or permanently confirmed, and the matter is closed in His eyes (Eph. 4:30).  He does not come and go out of the believer’s life.

However, there are some things in a believer’s life that can prevent God’s Spirit from working or exercising the control He desires.  Sin is the culprit that can sadden the Spirit of God that wants to work in a Christian.
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Eph.  4:30

I understood this best after raising a child.  On a very rare occasion, my child would do something that broke my heart.  I did not do it out of spite, out of anger, or to “teach a lesson”, nor was it a planned reaction, but the child’s commission of some wrongdoing made me so sad that I could not talk to or even look at the child. 

The act did not change my love for the child one bit.  In a short time, I was “over it,” and things were back to normal, but for that brief moment, my spirit was crushed.  That is exactly how the Holy Spirit must feel when we commit sin or violate what God intends for us.  Our activity, or lack of it, can grieve the Holy Spirit.

Not only can the indwelling Spirit be saddened because of what we do or do not do, His excitement and zeal in working in us can also be “quenched.”  Just as water puts out a fire, our sin can put out the flames of anticipation God has for using us for His glory.  The “putting out” of the Holy Spirit’s activity in one’s life may be why so many have lost the joy of being saved (Psalm 51:12) when their sins prevent God from working in their lives.
“Quench not the Spirit.” I Thes. 5:19

Nowhere in the New Testament is it suggested that the Holy Spirit comes and goes from one’s life like He is in a revolving door, as some would have us believe.  He is in us for good.  We do not have to be saved again, but we do have to resolve some things with the Holy Spirit in order for Him to work in us again.

The easy and fast way to resolve my broken heart when my child grieved my spirit was for my child to admit the wrong-doing and apologize.  After that was done, everything was back to normal, and it was never spoken of or thought of again (on my part).

The loving Spirit of God reacts much the same way.  Although He knows exactly what we have done, humbling ourselves and admitting the sin is the first step in soothing the broken heart of the Spirit. 

Secondly, a genuine apology and a sincere desire not to commit the sin again are what it will take to have the Holy Spirit working in our lives again.  There is not one sin He will not forgive.  The Holy Spirit will always love the believer and always desire the best for his life.

“The Spirit-filled life is life at its very best.”  — Author Unknown

The Comforter
Bill Brinkworth

Jesus told His disciples that it was essential for Him to leave so that the “Comforter” would come (John 16:7).  Acts 2 related the unusual instance when the Holy Ghost came upon some disciples.

It is not the first account of the Holy Spirit working in people.  We read that John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:15), as was Elizabeth (Luke 1:41), Zacharias (Luke 1:67) also had that experience, and many others did as well.  Some disciples had the Holy Ghost descend on them earlier, as told in John 20:22.

That experience, however, differed from all other biblical accounts when one was filled with the Holy Ghost.  There came a sound from Heaven as a great wind.  Over each individual, “cloven tongues like as of fire… sat upon each of them.”

Those disciples then spoke in a language they had never learned to those who spoke it. Those people marveled that those filled with the Holy Ghost talked to them in their native tongue.

Soon, other foreigners came to see that miracle (Acts 2:5, 6), and they, too, heard God’s message in their tongue.  They were all spoken to in their native language to understand God’s “wonderful works.”

There was a purpose for these miracles.  They were not performed to “wow” the Christians and prove that they were saved or had some supernatural “power.” The purpose was to teach others about the things of God.  Today, many try to duplicate that miracle unbiblically, but it is never used as it was then to reach others with God’s message.

The early church’s leader, Jesus, had just left to return to His home in Heaven.  Those early Christians did not have the One who gave them the truths from God. They did not have the whole compiled Word of God, which would come later.  Until they had all the words God wanted them to have, God used speaking in unknown languages and other miracles to encourage them in His direction.

When we received all the Scriptures, there was no longer any need for thosse sign gifts (1 Corinthians 13:8-13).  The Holy Ghost still indwells all believers, although He may be grieved at times because of our sins and may not be working in our lives.  We can still have the comfort of the Holy Spirit to guide us, and we will see His workings when we live by faith.

“Trying to do the Lord’s work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work.  But, when you are filled with the Holy Spirt and obeying His leading then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.”  — Corrie Ten Boom

The BIBLE VIEW #1048 — Church

In This Issue:
Family Time
Back Seat Problem
What My Absence in Church Did
Upper or Supper Room?
The Devil’s Tactics in Today’s Church

Volume: 1048   May 10, 2026
Theme: Church

Family Time
Bill Brinkworth

As Paul concluded his letter to the Roman church in Romans 16, the preacher spent the whole chapter remembering Christians he knew in the ministry.  He named 28 individuals and remarked on what they had meant to him, or how they had been useful in the ministry.  

Those believers were more than acquaintances to him. The people in the church were close to his heart.

Going to church for us should also be more than just nodding at people as they pass us in the aisle or shaking their hands as we see them in Sunday school.  Church is where those of like faith and beliefs gather.  

Church should be a place removed from the world, where we can be with our own kind — Christians. In that place, we are no longer a “peculiar” people as the unsaved see us.  In that fellowship, we are with others who share our beliefs.  We are with members of the family of God.

Church is a place where some hear the Gospel for the first time and get saved. It should be a place where the Bible is taught, and people learn more about God’s Word. 

In church, Christians can hear what the Lord has laid on the under shepherd’s heart, and learn how they can be better Christians.  It is a place where people can be burdened for needs they see or hear about and can get involved in a ministry themselves.

The church is also a place where we are among those of like faith.  I know I cannot speak for all churches, as too many have too much of the world in them, but church should be a place where we can be far from godless living and closer to God.  

In church, we can be encouraged by other Christians. All week, we are swimming against the current of the world. It can spiritually tire us. 

Being around other believers can reward us with advice, encouragement, and even with seeing how other Christians handle their problems, so we can run our own spiritual race successfully.

Those Christians who are not faithful in church attendance miss the help and encouragement of being around their own kind.  It is not just the preaching, teaching, church dinners, and special events that we need.  We need to feel, for the time we are with others of like faith, that we are not alone in this world. 

We need to know there are others like us.  No wonder Paul addressed many individually.  They were important to him because they were part of his spiritual family — the family of God.

“Going to church is family time.”  — Charles W. Tobey

Back Seat Problem
Author Unknown

“I wonder,” said good Parson Jones
With a little troubled frown,
“If there is any way to get
You folks seated farther down?

“You see I have to talk across
So many empty pews,
Before my voice can reach the back,
I fear my point you lose.

“And then I feel so lonesome,
Way up here and you clear back there,
It’s hard to feel you’re with me
When I come to God in prayer.

“I wonder if you folks are scared
Of what I’m going to preach
That you hurry so to park
In the fartherest back seat?

“Or do you fear the church some day
Will suddenly catch afire?
Or do you want to slip out quick
If of my subject you tire?

“I wish you’d come up closer
So I wouldn’t have to shout;
If you don’t, I’m going to have
Those back seats taken out!”

“A lot of church members who are singing ‘Standing on the Promises’ are actually just sitting on the premises.”  — Author Unknown

What My Absence in Church Did
Author Unknown

  • It made some question the reality of Christianity.
  • It made some think that I was a pretender.
  • It made many regard my spiritual welfare and that of others as a matter of small concern.
  • It weakened the effect of the church service.
  • It made it more difficult for the preacher to preach.
  • It discouraged the brethren, and therefore robbed them of a blessing.
  • It caused others to stay away from church.
  • It made it harder for me to meet the temptations I faced this week.
  • It gave me a poor Christian testimony with those that know I am a Christian.
  • It gave the Devil more power over lost souls.
  • It encouraged the bad habit of non-church going.

“God wants full custody of His children, not just Sunday visiting rights.”
— Author Unknown

Upper or Supper Room?
Author Unknown

The early church prayed in the upper room.  Today’s church cooks in the supper room.  Today the supper room, or the church kitchen, has taken the place of the “upper room”.

Play has taken the place of prayer, and feasting has taken the place of fasting.  There are more full stomachs than there are bended knees and broken hearts.  There is more fire in the range in the kitchen, than there is in the pulpit. 

When you build a fire in the church kitchen and the smells permeate the building, it often puts out the fire in the pulpit.  Ice cream awaiting to be eaten chills the fervor of spiritual life.

The early Christians were not cooking in the supper room the day the Holy Ghost came.  They were praying in the upper room.  They were not waiting on tables.  They were waiting on God. 

They were not waiting for the fire from the stove, but for the fire from above.  They were detained by the command of God, and not entertained by the cunning of men.  They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, not stuffed with a stew or roast.

Oh, I would like the cooking crew put out, and the praying band put in.  We need less ham and sham, and more Heaven; less pie, and more piety; less use for the cookbook, and more use for the old Book. 

Put out the fire in the kitchen and build it on the altar; more love and more life; fewer dinners and getting more sinners in the church.  Let us have a church full of waiters on God, and a church full of servers, serving God.

“The church is to feed the sheep, not to entertain the goats!”  — A. W. Tozer

The Devil’s Tactics in Today’s Church
J. Vernon McGee

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

Satan still does that today.  He attacks the validity of the Word of God, and he tries to discredit the Gospel.  If that doesn’t work, he tries to discredit the man who preaches the Gospel. 

“The Christian church is a society of sinners.  It is the only society in the world in which membership is based upon the single qualification that the candidate shall be unworthy of membership.” — Morrison

The BIBLE VIEW #1047 —Difficulties

In This Issue:
God Will Protect His Own
Don’t Mess with Me!  I’ve Got Bodyguards!
Only with God’s Permission
God Has A Purpose

Volume: 1047      May 11, 2026
Theme: Hardships

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God Will Protect His Own
Bill Brinkworth

Biblical Israel faced a plethora of attacks from their godless enemies (Psalm 129:1).  Modern-day Israel is facing similar assaults against it.  Through all the attempts of destruction upon them, that nation has persevered and even prospered. 

Israel’s enemies’ attempts to weaken and destroy the nation have failed.  The adversary’s advances came to naught.  The attacks failed, not because of Israel’s strength and might, but because the attacks against the people God cares about, although often spiritually wayward, were foiled by their faithful God.

The Bible is packed with other accounts of God protecting His own.  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked out of a devouring, fiery furnace without harm because God delivered them (Dan. 3:16-17, 26) from the danger.  Daniel was spared the ravaging appetite of a den of lions because of God’s protection (Dan. 6:22).  Israel learned many times that, no matter the attacks from their enemies, no one could harm them unless it was God’s will at the time. 

In the story of Job’s trials (Job 1:8:22, 2:3-10), one reads that Satan could only attack God’s man if God granted the enemy permission.  God allowed His own Son, Jesus, to be tested by Satan, but no harm came to Him.  Paul faced beatings, being stoned, robbed, and many other perils (II Cor. 11:25-28), yet God delivered him from all situations.  No harm can come to His people unless God allows it!

Today’s Christian can also have similar safety and security.  We will have attacks from enemies, disappointments, and trials, but they will never harm us unless God allows them to do so.  Most of the time, if the enemy’s assaults are seemingly victorious, it is to teach a deserved lesson or to move the believer in the direction God wishes for him.

There is much in tis world that can be feared.  However, the child of God, if he is within God’s will, has nothing of which to be afraid.  God will protect His own and often destroys the intentions and devices of the wicked.  We are safe because of God’s watchful eye and protective hands.
“The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.” Psalm 129:4

“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side for God is always right.”  — Author Unknown

Don’t Mess with Me!  I’ve Got Bodyguards!
Bill Brinkworth

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” Psalm 28:7

I cannot read the first part of Psalm 28:7 without smiling, as it reminds me of a time in my youth.  As a scrawny, 89-pound (when-soaking-wet) kid, I had to be careful who I said what to and where.  It would not take much of a bully to teach me a painful lesson because of my sometimes big, provoking mouth.

One day, I met a boy much bigger than me.  He had a reputation as a tough and rough person, and people had to be careful what they said around him.  We got to be good friends, and I hung around him at home and at school.  He had a friend who was also large, and we became friends too.

I found I wasn’t as shy or quiet around those two.  Sometimes, with one on my left and the other on my right, I even found myself being brave, trying to be tough, and letting my provoking mouth have its way.  I knew I could get away with it because I had my “bodyguards” protecting me.  Anyone who wanted to shut my foolish mouth would have to deal with my rough and tough defenders.  I certainly felt safe when in that situation.

Soon, I outgrew my “protection” and went on with my life.  I went back to wisely watching what came out of my mouth.  Then, 13 years later, something wonderful happened in my life: I got saved!

It was not long afterward that I started reading my Bible.  I learned that I did have to watch what my unkind mouth said, but I also learned that, since I was now a child of God, I had protection all around me.  I had no reason to fear because nothing could happen to me that God did not allow or know about.  I was safe and secure.

I learned that:

  • “The LORD is my strength ….”  Psalm 28:7   God will give me strength that I usually do not know I have to face any trial or tribulation this life throws at me.  A situation may look frightening and with no hope in sight, but He WILL give me the power to face and defeat my “Goliath” (I Samuel 17)!  He has done it thousands of times in my life!
  • “… and my shield; …” Psalm 28:7 Just like a soldier’s shield shunned any arrows, rocks, or spears thrown at him, the Lord will protect His own from what he faces in this life.  He is the “shield” that will protect him when he drives down the road, from the plans of our enemies, from sin, and whatever can happen in his life.
  • Not only do we have God’s protection, but we have His heavenly host surrounding and protecting us.  Angels do God’s bidding on Earth and protect His own.  I am supernaturally protected!
    “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7
  • God knows the dangers we will face well in advance and will protect us from dangers we may not even know are there!  He is our “high tower” observer and defender!
    “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2

It has been a long time since I had my “bodyguards.” However, I am safer and more secure than I have ever been.  I have better protection.  I have the Lord protecting me, and nothing can happen to me unless it is God’s will, and if it is God’s will, He will give me the strength and grace to face that challenge.

If you are born again, you too can have that security.   You can be “safe and secure,” as an old hymn reminds us.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6



Only with God’s Permission
Bill Brinkworth

Many Christians are more fearful than they should be.  A child of the King should never fret or worry because nothing can happen to him unless God allows it for the person’s or other people’s betterment.

According to Psalm 91, our Lord is:

  • Our safety and protection (Psalm 91:2, 9)
    “I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Psalm 91:2
  • Our protector from life’s traps that are set to get us to fail (Psalm 91:3).
  • Our protector from life’s storms (Psalm 91:4).
  • Our source of truth (Psalm 91:5).
  • Our protector from what scares us (Psalm 91:5-6).
  • Our protector from the attacks of our enemies (Psalm 91:5-7).
  • Our protector from health problems (Psalm 91:6, 10).
  • Our protector from evil (Psalm 91:10-12).
  • Our protector from danger (Psalm 91:14-15).
  • Our rewarder (Psalm 91:15-16).

One born into the family of God by the spiritual birth (John 3:3) has nothing to fear.  You are safe in the hands of your heavenly Father.  Frightening situations will occur to all, but God is always in full control.  Nothing is a surprise to Him.  You will be safe.  Fear not!
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7

God Has A Purpose
Bill Brinkworth

Living the way God commands us to live is not easy.  So many people are under the false impression that once they submit to the Lord’s will, problems will never occur.  They think they will be exempt from heartaches, hardships, hazards, and life’s hiccups.  That certainly is not true.

The godly may have God’s protection and guidance, but we are in a sinful world, and we face the consequences of our and others’ sins.  We experience it today, and David faced it as he wrote in Psalm 31.  The King dealt with:

  • Traps sent for him to make him fail (Psalm 31:4).  A foiled believer makes the ungodly triumph as they see that Christians “are not so holy and perfect ….”  Somehow, a defeated Christ-follower eases their guilt in not living a godly life.
  • Lies, all around him (Psalm 31:6, 18).
  • Troubles, and plenty of them (Psalm 31:9).  However, those troubles and trials are not always a “bad” thing.  Often, undesirable occurrences draw us closer to the Lord as we seek His help.  They can also help us grow in our faith as we see that God will protect and help us through the tribulations.
  • Grief.  Because of sin, there will be death and many let-downs.  Hearts will be broken, but we have a God who will fix and comfort broken, discouraged, and sad believers (Psalm 31:10).
  • Those who forgot him and his needs (Psalm 31:12).  We are not the first to have invested a lot of time and trust in a person and later been cast aside.  David had experienced the hurt of abandonment more than once.

Although we do not have a get-out-of-pain-and-suffering card just because one is a child of God, we do have something that the godless do not have when they go through hardships.  We have the Lord.  He is our God (Psalm 31:14), and we will have his watch-care, guidance, and protection. 

We will experience what God allows in our life for our or someone else’s benefit.  We may not always like the trials we face, but God has a purpose for us: to learn and to grow spiritually through our tests and tribulations.
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”  Psalm 31:24

“Courage: Being scared to death and saddling up anyway.”  — Wayne