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The BIBLE VIEW #1071 — Politics

In This Issue:
Irreparable Damage
The Damage They Have Done

Volume: 1071   November 9, 2026
Theme:  Politics

Irreparable Damage
Bill Brinkworth

One reads in I and II Kings that after King Solomon’s death, the kings that succeeded him were often less than desirable.  At least 26 leaders were remembered as: “…they walked in the sins” of another person, “… sinned and made Israel to sin …”, “… did evil in the sight of God…”, or “… did worse than all that were before him.”  Poor leadership has always been a problem for any country, including Israel.

Sadly, at that time, only six leaders were recorded as doing “… right in the eyes of the Lord …”, “right in the sight of the Lord,” or even “… according to all his father (a godly man) did.” Further investigation of those six reveals that not all of them did all that was right.  They tolerated some sin to continue in their country and did not halt all that was plaguing the nation.  Early Israel showed that godly leadership is rare.

Of all the kings that wanted to lead their country in the direction God commanded, Josiah  (II Kings 22-23) was the most determined to please God and have Him bless his country.  King Josiah rebuilt the temple so the country could return to proper worship of the one God and urged the priests to inquire of the Lord what must be done.  When Josiah heard God’s truths from the Word of God, he was convicted, repented of his sins, and was even more determined to remove sin from his country so God’s hand would be on it.

The young king committed himself, and the people also agreed, to obey God.  He cleaned out idolatry from all over the country.  Even the places of false worship were destroyed.  Priests of false religions were killed.  Houses of sodomites (II Kings 23:7) were destroyed.  Witchcraft and occult practices (II Kings 23:24) were also “put away,” along with many other practices that were abominable in the sight of God.

After all the “good” this king brought about in Israel, I expected to read that God would spare the country His due wrath, as He had done graciously many times in the past.  Although there “… was no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might …” (II Kings 23:25), God did not stay His hand of vengeance on the land, all because of the great wickedness of a previous king, King Manasseh (II Kings 21).
“Notwithstanding the LORD turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal.” II Kings 23:26

Horrified, I related that time in history to what is happening in so many countries today.  Leaders, like the wicked King Manasseh, are also ignoring God’s laws.  They allow false worship to continue, and in many ways even give it preferential treatment.  There is no effort to turn to God.  Abominations that are forbidden by God are allowed and encouraged to continue.  God is mocked, ignored, or forgotten.

Even more frightening is that if a godly leader did take the reins of a country and do all he could to turn the country to God and even have results, it might be too late!  Irreparable damage may have been done that has angered a Holy God!  The sins of past leaders may have angered God so much that no matter what moral and biblical changes are made, it may be too late!

What can one do when God is so angered at what was done by previous leaders and the people?  There is nothing that can be done if it is anything like what happened before King Josiah’s reign.  A nation will reap what was sown by wicked rulers.  Only God can turn His wrath away.  We certainly cannot make Him.

If a nation finds itself in the hopeless situation Israel faced in II Kings 23, individuals still must not give up and succumb to what everyone else is doing.  Christians must still stand for what is right, live righteously, and do all they can to change what is going on around them.  

Although nations may crumble, individuals must still determine in their heart to do what is right according to God’s Word.  We must do right, no matter what happens around us.
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Rom. 14:12  Also: Eph.  6:13.

“No one gets away with sin!” — B. B.

The Damage They Have Done
Bill Brinkworth

A liberal philosophy has existed throughout history, but rarely has it done as much damage to society as it has done in the last fifty years.  Many boast and are not ashamed of having such a philosophy, but its destruction to individuals and the populace is far-reaching.

Webster’s dictionary (1828) defines “liberal” in many ways.  The definitions applied to a liberal philosophy include “not literal or strict, licentious, lacking decorum, unseemly beliefs, favoring changes, progressive, tolerant of other views.”

Liberal thinking is usually a value system that deviates from what is traditionally considered normal and moral.  From a Christian’s perspective, it includes beliefs that reject and want to change moral truths preserved by God in His Word, the Bible.

Any variance from how God wants man to believe and live will only lead to an individual or society becoming more immoral and living a lifestyle further from God’s demands.  The outcome of accepting biblical immorality has never been good for past cultures.  Societies deviating from following God’s guidelines have suffered, whereas those abiding by His commandments have flourished.

Over the years, we have not discouraged these philosophies contrary to God’s Word.  In too many cases, liberal thinking has even been encouraged. 

Liberal philosophers, politicians, preachers, professors, and teachers, whose beliefs kept them from being employed in the past, are now sometimes given preferential treatment in getting a job.  Although their thinking is often accepted, the price it has cost society is immeasurable.

Here are some of the negative changes liberalism has caused in our society:

  • Where the morality of the majority of society was in line with scriptural teachings, the Bible has been banned in many institutions, societies, and even in conversation.  In doing so, the standard that says lying, stealing, taking of lives, adultery, homosexuality, worshipping other gods, and other moral limitations has been removed.

    Without God’s standards, it is acceptable to tell “little” white lies, take things that do not belong to you if you are needy, kill unborn babies because they are unwanted, commit homosexuality, and worship anything you want because you feel better when you do so.  Without God’s measuring tool, the Bible, anything goes.
  • Leaders who once could not get a job or be elected if their character or beliefs strayed from biblical teachings are now elected to positions that make decisions that alter society’s morals.  Elected leaders in the United States have passed laws that allow over 4,000 murders of unborn babies every day.  They have also removed mentions of anything about God or His Word in public situations (including the Ten Commandments that were posted in many public buildings), encouraged public acceptance of homosexuality, making it a crime if anything is said contrary to their beliefs (“hate crimes”), and countless other anti-scriptural laws.
  • Liberal religious schools have produced preachers and leaders brainwashed to question and doubt God’s Word.  When they preach, they instill those doubts in their congregations, and now few under their preaching know what the Bible says, believe it, or follow His Word.  Because of the liberal infiltration of pulpits, “thus saith the Lord” is no longer instilled in minds.  The “fear of God” has been removed from many churches!
  • Tolerance of anything, including others’ beliefs, has allowed unscriptural, damaging lifestyles to breed.  Humanity’s depravity is now laughed at and accepted most times, as there are no longer any standards that say that anything is wrong.
  • Teachers and professors with little biblical character and standards are allowed to guide and direct young minds during most of their students’ day.  How do you think a student’s thinking will be after 12 years of liberal propaganda?


As an old ad said, “We have come a long way, baby.”  Unfortunately, the way we have gone is morally downhill, and it is not good — in God’s eyes!

Just because the liberals are confused, have few biblical standards, and, in many cases, are rebellious against God does not mean that we have to follow and conform to their way of life that we are forced to live!  We, as Christians, know where the Truth is. 

Our responsibility is to be examples many will want to follow.  Christians are to be a light in this dark, sinful world.  We need to lead biblically, not follow unscriptural pathways.  If, one by one, we each live our lives according to what God has preserved in His written Word, it will again be unpopular to think and live contrary to what God’s Word says to do.

“Usually, the liberal tries to camouflage his true identity.”
— Dr. Harold Sightler

The BIBLE VIEW #1070 — Changed

In This Issue:
New Things
Things Will Be Different
Are You A Peculiar Person?

Volume: 1070   November 2, 2026
Theme:  Change

New Things
Bill Brinkworth

Living a biblical lifestyle is certainly the old way; the way much of mankind has lived for over 6,000 years.  Living that way may be “old-fashioned” today, but many new things can happen in one’s life when one obeys and lives biblically.

Here are some of the new things God offers and desires all to have and experience:

A new birth.  When one becomes a child of God, he experiences a spiritual birth.  One becomes a new, different person.
“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
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” I Peter 1:23
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

A new joy, happiness, and purpose.  Being born again is wonderful.  When one is saved, one will experience joy and happiness.
“O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.  Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.  Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.  For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.”  Psalm 96:1-3
“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:3   Also: Psalm 98:1.

A new “heart.”  God gives, along with salvation, a new “heart” that has new desires, purposes, and hopes.
“Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.  And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” Ezekiel 11: 17-20 These verses were written about the people of Israel, but the principle can be applied to us.
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26

 A new outlook; life is seen differently.  When one is saved, educated from the Word of God, and obedient to it, life looks a lot different.  Activities and actions of the past now may appear contrary to God’s commandments and harmful rather than “fun”.  The “old, dead” Bible now becomes alive and helpful.
“Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it?  I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.” Isaiah 46: 6

 A new life (a new mind).  Along with other new blessings comes the “mind of Christ” that thinks much differently than it did before the new birth.
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.  Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:22-27
“And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Colossians 3:10

A new day filled with second chances and other opportunities.  Just as a new day brings fresh opportunities and expectations, God gives the born-again soul a second chance in life.
“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

A new testament; a new covenant.  A “testament” is a document declaring the will and desires of a person.  The New Testament that God gave man is not only part of the Bible, but it is His will and the new covenant (commitments or promises) He made with man.  It tells of God’s will for man in this church age.
“And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Mat.  26:27-28
“And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.” Mark 14: 24

 A new world.  One day God will destroy this world and a new one will descend.
“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered.” Isaiah 65:7
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” Revelation 21:1  Also: II Peter 3:3.



Things Will Be Different
Bill Brinkworth

When one trusts Christ as Saviour it often appears to be a quiet, sober event. Sometimes, the person getting saved may shed tears of joy as they call out to God for salvation.  A person sharing the moment with the one being saved may become excited, but there is always a lot more happening than anyone could ever observe. 

Here are some of the events and changes that occur when a lost person gains God’s promise of Heaven:

One is in Christ.  A person is forgiven, and now has new priorities and a desire to please the Saviour.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”  Romans 8:1   Also: Psalm 103:12, Mat.  26:28, Mat.  28:19-20, Mark 3:28, Rom. 4:7, I John 2:12.

One has their eternal destination changed.  A person is not going to Hell, but to Heaven.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

One has peace, that they never had before.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7

One will be a changed person!
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17 

One has a new spiritual Father and a large spiritual family.  Many biblical references when talking about God refer to Him as “your” or “our” Father.
“That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew  5:45
“For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Matthew  12:50

One can now pray and have prayers answered.
“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1

One’s thinking will change.  He will have the mind of Christ.
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:5

Angels in Heaven rejoiced when one is saved:
“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10

One has their name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life:
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Rev.  20:15

“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”  II Corinthians 4:18



Are You A Peculiar Person?
Bill Brinkworth

“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:14

“Peculiar” is “beyond usual,”  If you claim you are a Christian, are you different than the unsaved  or do you think, act, talk, and cherish the same things the unsaved do?

If you are born-again then:

  • You should be “zealous of good works.” (What God identifies as good works).  Are you doing something for the cause of Christ?
  • Are you a holy example: 
    “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” I Peter 2:9

If you are “peculiar” then you are a “treasure unto the Lord as Jacob and Israel were.
“For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.” Psalm 135:4

“Don’t look back to your past.  If you are saved, you should not be going in that direction anymore!”    — Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #1069 — Obedience

In This Issue:
Obedience
Have A Clear Conscience
Our Benefits

Volume: 1069   October 26, 2026
Theme:  Obedience

Obedience
Bill Brinkworth

Unfortunately, most people naturally do not want to obey any authority.  Often, it is a challenge to humble themselves to submit to a power over them.

In many lives, a power struggle rages as children do not want to obey parents, employees resist obeying employers, and even citizens refuse to obey laws.  To some, obedience is no longer a struggle, as they have made up their minds a long time ago not to obey anyone but themselves, and certainly not to let anyone have any rule or reign over them.

Like it or not, all of us have to obey someone or an authority over us for the rest of our lives.  Without order, anarchy and disorder will follow, as is evident in many communities today.

Ever since the Garden of Eden, man has struggled with whom he will obey.  Someone pointed out that a main theme of the Bible is government: who will govern whom?  Will it be God who rules and reigns in our lives, or will we not even obey Him, and instead be our own masters?

No matter what we have convinced ourselves to believe or what has been drummed into our heads, there are godly commandments to obey.  Here is some of what God’s Word has to say about obedience:

  • All have a command to submit to God’s law.
    “Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day.” Deuteronomy 27:10  Also: Psalm 18:44.
  • Obedience to His commandments is very important to God.  
    “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” I Samuel 15:22  The context of this verse concerns Israel, but it reveals God’s heart for obedience to Him.
  • Because of Adam and Eve’s refusal to obey one of God’s commands, all are now born as sinners and will have to battle sin’s control the rest of their lives.  
    “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Romans 5:19
  • Many things in this world obey God.  His word mentions that the weather, waves, animals, and the rest of His creation obey Him.  It is a shame when we, who are created in His image, do not obey Him at all times.  
    “… for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.” Mark 1:27 Also: Matthew 8:27, Mark 4:41.
  • Whether or not one admits it, one is obeying someone all the time.  All are servants to one master, be it the Master of the universe or the master of one’s own selfish desires.  
    “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” Romans 6:12 Also: Rom.  6:16.
  • God reminds us throughout the Bible that life will be easier and more blessed if we obey what He tells us to do.
    “A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.” Deut. 11:27-28  Although the context is a command to Israel, the principle applies to the believer today when he obeys the Lord.  Also I Sam.  12:14-15.
  • All will have to obey someone sometime.  If they do not learn obedience at a younger age, they may struggle to obey authority later.  That is one reason God commands children to submit to their parents’ authority.  
    “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1  Also: Colossians 3:20, Prov. 30:17, Exodus 20:12.
  • People need to obey God.  That is part of God’s plan for the hierarchy of leadership.  
    “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” I Corinthians 11:3
  • Wives are to obey their husbands.
    “Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.” Ephesians 5:24  Also: I Peter 3:1.
  • We need to obey our employer.
    “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:” Colossians 3:22 Also: Titus 2:9.
  • We are to obey authorities over us.  This includes teachers, police, and government.  Not obeying the authority over us is disobeying God.
    “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:7  Also: Titus 3:1.  However, when the commands and laws of the government or our authority contradict what God commands us to do, we should always obey God first: “… We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29
  • The local church should obey God’s commands.  
    “Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ …” Eph. 5:24

Again, no one wants to obey anyone.  It is a very difficult thing to do.  God, however, has laid out a leadership hierarchy that will work.  We may not like the order of people that we are to submit to, but it is God’s plan.  His plan works: choosing whom we will obey usually does not.

God’s commands are for our benefit.  Father knows best!  As Israel told Joshua, after they learned this truth the hard way, so should our heart’s desire be: “… The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.” Joshua 24:24

“Obedience and respect at home prepare the way for obedience to the employer, and they are joined with other virtues that help assure a prosperous career, crowned with a ripe, honored old age.  Disrespect for parents is often the first step in the downward track.” — D. L Moody

 

Have A Clear Conscience
Bill Brinkworth

A conscience is the sense of moral correctness that influences or controls one’s behavior and thoughts.  For a Christian, that sense of right or wrong is often the imprint of biblical principles on one’s  mind.  The result of having a conscience free of nagging reminders is when one has peace, not guilt.
“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” Acts 24:16 
“And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” Acts 23:1
“Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.” Hebrews 13:18
“Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” I Peter 3:16 

When we ignore what our conscience reminds us of, the result is often a hardened heart to righteousness and the things of God.
“Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” I Timothy 4:2

Keep your conscience clear from wrong, troubling, and guilty thoughts and actions.  Obey what God has laid on your heart and has shown you to do.


“Obedience to God is the most infallible evidence of sincere and supreme love for him.”  — Emmons

Our Benefits
Watson — 1696

God commands nothing but what is beneficial.”
“And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,” Deuteronomy 10:12

To obey God is not so much our duty as our privilege and is the wise thing to do.  His commandments help us. He bids us repent, and why? that our sins may be blotted out.
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Acts 3:19

He commands us to believe, and why? that we may be saved.
“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31

There is love in every one of His commandments.  

“It is not enough to understand God’s Word or to talk about and dispute its teachings. The Bible’s commandments and principles must be obeyed.” 
— Manton, 1620-1667

The BIBLE VIEW #1056 — Eternity

In This Issue:
God’s Global Changes
Eternity Is Closer Than You Think
There Is An Eternity For All

Volume: 1056   July 13, 2026
Theme: Eternity

Need a free Sunday school lesson or sermon idea?  Visit: http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/lessons.html or http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/articles.html.


God’s Global Changes
Bill Brinkworth

In an attempt to “save” our planet, political scare tactics alarm people that our and Earth’s days are numbered.  However, God will one day change this Earth, but not in the way the unbiblical theories predict.

The planet’s great transformation will not be soon, as many warn.  Before God makes the prophesied changes, many things must first occur.  Those events will include the Rapture of living believers, seven-year Tribulation,  Second Coming of Christ, 1,000-year earthly reign of Christ, His judgment of believers, and the White Throne judgment for the unsaved, where many will be banished to the Lake of Fire for eternity (Rev. 20:14-15).

It is after those events that God will change Earth.  First, all that we see will be destroyed by a fervent heat.  Towering, resilient buildings will all be destroyed by a God-ordained fire.   All the precious things man has so proudly sought and hoarded will also be obliterated.  Nothing will remain of what man toiled to create and covet.  Even the seas will no longer exist (Revelation 21:1).

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up… 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?”  II Peter 3:10-12
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” Rev. 21:1

This man-polluted orb will be purged of all of man’s doings and damage.  God will renew the Earth.  Even the sky will be changed.
“And I saw a new heave0n and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” Rev. 21:1

However, it will not be the end of man’s dwelling on our planet.  The children of God will have a new place to dwell; it will descend from up high.
“ And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Rev. 21:2
“And he carried me [John] away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,” Rev. 21:10

The new residence for believers will glow with the glory of God (Rev. 21:11).  It will be surrounded by great walls and will have gates (Rev. 21:12-14)

The new Jerusalem will be massive (Rev. 21:16-18) and gleam with gold and other precious gems (Rev. 21:16-21).  The biblical description indicates it will be a cube.

The biblical dimensions are in furlongs, which equals .13 mile.  Saved mankind’s new abode will be 1,560 by 1,560 by 1,560 miles.  If those measurements are accurate, it will contain 3,796,416,00 cubic miles for its inhabitants.  There will also most likely be more habitable area outside the New Jerusalem, and after the seas are gone.
“And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs.  The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.” (Rev. 21:16)

The New Jerusalem will have almost four trillion square miles.  It will have more square mileage than we currently have on Earth.  It has been calculated that Earth has only 197 million square miles on our planet.

In that brilliant city, there will be billions of believers who trusted Christ as their Savior.  I am sure, that there will be plenty of room inside the Holy City and much more outside its walls.

As massive as God’s creation will be there will certainly be room for more children of God.  Have you been born into His family and will one day live in that beautiful creation?  If you are not sure, this would be a wonderful day to trust Christ as your Saviour from the punishment due from your sins.  There will plenty of room for you.

Read the commentary on Revelation 21 at http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/dvblog/revelation/revelation-21/


“We talk about Heaven being so far away.  It is within speaking distance to those who belong there.”  — D.L. Moody

Eternity Is Closer Than You Think
Bill Brinkworth

We are getting closer to the “last days” before the coming of the Lord. What was prophesied in II Peter 3 is happening today. 

It was foretold over 1,900 years ago that during the “last days,” many would mock (scoff) the Lord, saying, “… Where is the promise of his coming?…” (II Peter 3:4).  Those poking fun at the earlier biblical promises that Jesus would come again are on the increase.  Some of the scoffers are even those who claim to be Christian!

Peter explains here why the Lord has not returned yet.  Although we may be eager for Jesus’ quick return, the Father is not. Time means little to Him.  To the Creator, one day is the same as 1,000 years, and 1,000 years are the same as a day to Him (II Peter 3:8). His priority is not time.

God’s priority is souls.  He wants as few to go to Hell as possible (II Peter 3:9). The longer we have on Earth, the more opportunities there are for the lost to get saved. If He came over 2,000 years ago, when the apostles and early Christians were looking for His return, millions would never have gone to Heaven!  You and I would not have had the privilege to know that we are saved and on our way to eternity with Him.

God looks down from Heaven and sees our sins. He knows about the millions of babies being slaughtered by abortion, those proudly parading their open defiance to Him and their homosexuality in “Gay” parades, those who commit crimes against others and supposedly have escaped criminal prosecution, those who sin without restraint, and many other iniquities.  God tolerates mankind’s evilness because He allows people opportunities to repent of their wickedness and turn to Him.  God is long-suffering (II Peter 3:9) because He does not want any to suffer in Hell if it can be avoided.

However, there will be a day when God decides His toleration and long-suffering have been enough.  Then, Jesus will come as a “thief in the night” when no one expects His coming (II Peter 3:10).  There will no longer be opportunities for those who have heard the plan of salvation to be saved.  God’s long-suffering will cease.

That time will finally come.  It could be today, tomorrow, or twenty years from now. Are you ready for Jesus’ coming?

There Is An Eternity For All
Bill Brinkworth

No one will escape the one part of life that is scary to many: death (unless the Rapture takes the Christians home to Heaven first!).  Because of the uncertainty, most wonder what happens when their body dies.

For born-again people, there is hope for a wonderful life after death (II Corinthians 5:1-2, 8).  The Bible does not mention, as some cults teach, that it will be the end when one dies. Physical death will not be the end because everyone has a soul that will live forever.  It will live in either Heaven (eventually the new Earth) or Hell, and eventually the Lake of Fire.
“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” II Corinthians 5:1  Also: II Corinthians 5:8.

Because of God’s promise of Heaven, and one day dwelling on the changed Earth, many “groan earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:” (II Corinthians 5:2).  While battling infirmities, hardships, and heartaches on Earth, many Christians are looking forward to Heaven — a place of eternal joy and no suffering.

Paul was busy for the Lord while he was here on this Earth, but he was expectantly awaiting his eternity in Glory.  One reason Paul looked forward to Heaven was one that today’s believers should also share.  

That reason is now we live by faith (II Corinthians 5:7), but in Glory, the believer will live by sight.  Now, we must trust God’s Word and not always physically see that its promises are true.  One day, however, we will see all the glorious things God has promised come to pass.

With all the positive things to look forward to, Paul and all Christians should not be afraid of their eternal future.  When our body gives its last breath in this world, we may be “absent from the body,” but we will be instantly “present with the Lord” (II Corinthians 5:8).  We have God’s Word on that!
“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” II Corinthians 5:8

“Learn to hold loosely all that is not eternal.”  — Royden

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!

Need a free Sunday school lesson or sermon idea?  Visit: http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/lessons.html or http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/articles.html.

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 #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 #1041 — Friends

In This Issue:
Friends   Dear Liberal Friend
Friendly Advice
A Friend
The Unfailing Friend

Volume: 1041  March 23, 2026
Theme: Friends

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Friends
Bill Brinkworth

The right friend will build you up.  A wrong friend may destroy you.

Many will have their plans and lives changed because they picked the wrong companion or gave a confidant the wrong priority in their lives!  Some do not even know what a true friend is.

Here is a short study on what the Bible says about a true friend:

Friendly all the time!  A true friend loves us during the hard times and the good.
Proverbs 17:17-18 “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.  A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.”
Proverbs 27:10 “Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.”

Friendly first!  A true friend is friendly first, rather than waiting for others to approach him.  
Proverbs 18:24 “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

Friendly giving!  True friendship is given and not bought.  You cannot buy true friendship.  Give, and you may get a person you can trust and like.  Do not be friendly to earn friendship, though.  You cannot make someone your friend.
Proverbs 19:6 “Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.” — but not true friends!

Friendly honest advice!  A true friend tells what they believe is best for us because they care about what happens in our lives.
Proverbs 22:6 “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
Proverbs 27:10 “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.”

“False friends are like vermin that abandon a sinking vessel or like the swallows that depart at the approach of winter.

“True friends are like ivy that adheres to the tree in its decay.  They are also like the light of phosphorus: brightest in the dark.”  — Unknown



Dear Liberal Friend
Bill Brinkworth

I am so sorry about how our friendship has turned out.  I was excited when I learned you were a “Christian.” Fellowship and friendship with another of like faith are important to me.  However, I quickly realized that your definition and my definition of being a “Christian” were completely different.

When one says they are a “Christian,” I assume their thinking and lifestyle would be aligned with the Bible.  Your “Christianity” is not what is described in my Bible.  Most of the time, you did not even want to discuss God’s Word.

When the conversation led to spiritual things, you quickly went on the defensive and accused me of judging or else argued the doctrine.  We have spent more time discussing “what the Bible really means,” as you keep saying, rather than agreeing on the things of God.

My other friendships with Christians have never been this strained.  It has always been easy and perfectly natural for my other friends and me to talk about the things of God because we are interested in them.  You, obviously, are not.

I may not have been saved as long as you have been, but I know that the Bible teaches that a Christian should live differently from the unsaved.  You seem to be very comfortable dressing, talking, acting, doing things the world does, and going to places where the unsaved go.

Your philosophies are often identical to what the ungodly world thinks.  It’s hard to tell any difference between you and the lost.  I am not comfortable doing many of those things, and I believe some of them are against what God teaches in His Book.

The consequences of worldliness and its sin are some things from which I was saved.  The world is losing and not heading for Heaven, but is going to Hell.  I have no interest in thinking and looking like the losing side.

Before I was saved, I did not have the joy or peace I do now by obeying the Lord.  Being more like Christ is far safer, peaceful, and biblical.

Clearly, the Bible tells us to talk to others about Christ so they can be saved and have the promise of Heaven.  Proverbs 11:30 says one is wise if that is done.

You have ridiculed and tried to stop me from witnessing to others.  No, I don’t think it’s “pushing God’s Word down their throat” by telling them.  If someone didn’t tell me how to be saved, I would not be.  I would feel very selfish if I didn’t share salvation with others and would be disobedient to God’s biblical commandments if I did not.

When I do witness to others, I often hear the word “hypocrite.” The unsaved world knows how Christians should live.  They have seen many call themselves Christians, and people see that they do not live the way they should.

After seeing more living the wrong way, they quickly assume that all Christians are hypocrites and living the wrong lifestyle.  I certainly am not perfect and am still growing spiritually, but the people they are referring to are not people like me, but are people like you.

I love being saved.  It is exciting to know that Christ died for all my sins and paid the price for them so I could go to Heaven.  I owe Him so much.  My desire now is to live for and serve Him.

Your liberal theology and lifestyle are doing much to harm and weaken the cause of Christ.  It is giving those trying to serve and live for God a bad name.  Your lifestyle is hurting the testimonies of those trying to live right.

Sadly, I think it is time to part as friends.  No, I don’t believe myself “holier than thou.”  

sI know what I was and can fall back into my old ways.  I am concerned that your disobedience may rub off on me.  Association with your un-Christian lifestyle will also hurt my Christian testimony.  I desire to be more like Christ and have that reputation, so our fellowship will have to stop until your lifestyle becomes more Christ-like.

Regretfully,
Bill


“Insomuch as anyone pushes you nearer to God, he or she is your friend.” 
— Unknown



Friendly Advice
Bill Brinkworth

  • WAIT on the right friend.  Do not settle for the first acquaintance that comes around just because you are lonely.
  • Pick a friend you look up to, not down to, or the relationship may hurt your walk with Christ.
  • Pray about the friendship.  Ask God how you can be a better friend, not just how that person can meet your needs.
  • Be honest with your friend.  If they dislike the real you, or the truth, they are not the right friend for you.
  • Friendship is not popularity!  Acquaintances are not necessarily friends.
  • Stick up for a friend.
  • Never put a friend down in front of others!
  • Be a friend to someone who you feel needs one!  They are often the most grateful and the most loyal!
  • Obey your parents’ discernment about friends.  If they say to stay away from a certain person, obey them!
  • Marry a friend!

“A true friend never gets in your way except when you are on the way down.” — Unknown



A Friend
Author Unknown

When troubles come, your soul to try
You love a friend who just stands by.
Perhaps there’s nothing he can do,
The thing is strictly up to you.
For there are troubles all your own,
And paths the soul must tread alone,
Times when love can’t smooth the road,
Nor friendship lift the heavy load.
But, just to feel you have a friend,
Who will stand by until the end,
Whose sympathy through all endures,
Whose warm handclasp is always yours,
It helps somehow to pull you through.
Although there’s nothing he can do.
And so, with fervent heart we say,
“God bless the friend who just stands by.”

“They who have loved together have been drawn close; they who have struggled together are forever linked, but they who have suffered together have known the most sacred bond of all.”  — Author Unknown



The Unfailing Friend
Author Unknown

The friendship of Jesus is lasting.  Other friends may grow old and cold.  It is not so with the company of our Saviour. 

Other friends may misunderstand us.  Jesus never. 

His love is the same in our youth as in old age.  The friendship will instead grow stronger as we get older.

If you have lost what to you seemed everything, if you find yourself friendless and alone, despised and forsaken, seek to get acquainted with this most lovely, dear, and precious Friend — Jesus.

The BIBLE VIEW #1033 — Service

In This Issue:
What To Do If You Can’t Do Any More
Do What You Can

Volume: 1033     January 20, 2026
Theme: Service

 What To Do If You Can’t Do Any More
Bill Brinkworth

One day, everyone will reach a point where they cannot do what they used to do.  Be it health issues, psychological reasons, or age restrictions, some will find themselves watching the world go by from the sidelines.

However, if a sidelined person is a Christian, quitting and not making a spiritual difference in this world should not be an option.  No one is saved to sit and soak in God’s goodness. 

We are saved to stand and serve.  No age or Bible health restriction tells a Christian, “Okay, you have done your part, now sit down and relax.”

Often, when a tire has little tread life, there is a way to keep it in service.  There still can be a use for it.

A worker removes the tire’s outer layer.  If the supporting radial fibers are still intact, a new tread can be adhered to them, allowing the critical part of the car to be used again.  It may not be suitable for a racecar, but it can still be used.

If the steel cords in the tire are damaged, there is still use for it.  It can be used for a child’s backyard tire swing or a bumper for boats approaching a dock.  It still can be used somehow. 

The same should be applied to a wounded or aged Christian.  If the desire to still do something for the Lord remains, the believer should not be sidelined There is something he or she can still do.  A Christian can still be repurposed.

The set-apart Christian is valuable in God’s eyes.  The seasoned saint has learned a lot from God’s Word, how to apply it, and how the Lord’s intervention can make a difference.  Their faith had been tested by many fires and disasters, but it relied on the Lord and stayed true to Him.  Their spiritual experience can be utilized in ways a newer Christian is not qualified.

That kind of seasoned spiritual experience is important and should not be shelved.  There is still a use for it in others’ lives.  The Christian must find what they are to do in the different stage of their life.

After realizing they still have a true desire to continue doing something for the Lord, the first step would be to immediately go to the One who guided them through their past.  “What is it you would have me do now, oh Lord?” It may take some patience to wait for His direction, but it will come.  God will not waste the life of a valued spiritual warrior.

But, while you are waiting on the Lord’s new direction in your life, do whatever opportunity  crosses your path.  Often, the reward for service is more service to a faithful, willing, obedient believer.  Those who are reluctant to fulfill a need they saw may not have any other opportunities given to them.
“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.” Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Romans 12:11-12
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
“Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;  7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” Ephesians 6:6-8

Perhaps there will be an opportunity to visit one in a nursing home.  One never knows that one’s heart may be stirred at the needs there, and make that one’s new ministry.

A young mother may need someone to help her manage her children.  There is a great need for that, and a spiritual person could give much encouragement to an exhausted mother.

A disabled church visitor may be sitting all alone in the church, as many do not know how to act around that person, so they stay away.  That person may need a friend, and that is an area where one may feel burdened to fulfill that person’s need.  (By the way, everyone needs a friend.  Find a person sitting by themselves and spend time with them.)

Perhaps a Sunday school class has few students.  That would be an excellent opportunity to encourage the teacher by offering to visit neighborhoods and children to grow that ministry.

Prayer can change everything.  Hearing all the needs can burden one to change situations by calling on the Lord on behalf of others.  Summoning God’s help can make a big difference in lives.  No matter one’s handicap or situation, one can commit oneself to be a reliable, consistent prayer warrior!

Everywhere there are needs.  God did not call any Christian to sit and just look.  While you still have a breath, there are opportunities for an experienced Christian to go and help for the Glory of God.  Go, you can make a difference for the cause of Christ.

“Retire doesn’t have to mean ”to withdraw, to retreat, or to recede from life.”  It could mean to discard what used to be done, and repurpose oneself in a new, different way for the glory of God.”   — Brinkworth


Do What You Can!
Bill Btinkworth

“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

When J.’s daughter approached her to make a lacy collar for her dress, as the other children had at church, J. was troubled.  She could not afford the fancy collar that was so popular among girls at the time, and she had never made anything that intricate before.

Her daughter encouraged her to make one.  “They have how-to books, Mom.  You can get the materials at the store,” the daughter suggested.

It is so hard for anyone, especially a mother, to turn down a child’s requests.  After begging God to help her do such a project, she went to the store, bought a knitting needle, and the necessary thread.  After carefully following the directions and working some of the night, the accessory for her daughter’s dress was completed.

The next morning, her daughter proudly wore the dress collar to school.  God had allowed J. to do something she never imagined she could do.

Later, a young girl approached J. with what she thought was a collar like the ones all the other girls had.  She boasted she had one like the other children, but it was only the lining from some clothing and looked nothing like what the other girls were wearing.  J. was burdened to make one for that girl also.  After some long hours and hard work, J. presented the dress accessory to the girl.  The girl was ecstatic over the love and concern that J. would make her something.

J.’s lifetime ministry had started because she saw the needs of others and allowed God to enable and use her to meet them.  Her hands were kept busy for many decades to come as one sewing need after another was shown to her.  All must have been encouraged that someone thought enough of them to give her time, and often at her own expense, to meet their needs.  She was showing many what love in action was.  What a good Christian testimony she was to so many.

Not everyone is called, burdened, or qualified to be a preacher, Sunday school teacher, music director, or to serve in some other prominent ministry in the church.  However, everyone can do something to meet the needs of others and be a good Christian testimony.  Everyone, in church and all around us, has needs.

Over the years, I have seen many who wanted to serve the Lord and make a difference in others’ lives.  They have used their skills and abilities to fix cars for widows, keep the bus ministry running, watch children for single parents, sing in the choir, visit those who are housebound due to illness, and so many other ways.  They saw a need, put their Christianity into action, and gave a most valuable gift — themselves.

The requirement to be a blessing and an encouragement to others is not so much skill, but a willing heart, and compassion to see and meet the needs in others’ lives.  Everyone needs help from time to time.  Helping others is one way to show the love of Christ to those who may have never seen Christian love in action.

It is easy to talk about loving people, but the world needs more who are willing to show it.  Helping others is one way to be the Christian example the world needs to see.  Whatever need you see, put your hand to the task and help.
“And of some have compassion, making a difference:” Jude 1:22  

“It is amazing how much God can accomplish through an imperfect person who has put all his imperfections completely at God’s disposal.”  — Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #1030 —Dating/Marriage

In This Issue:
Bottom Feeders or Trophy Catch?
Advice for a Christian Seeking a Mate
The Bible and Marriage

Volume: 1030     December 22, 2025
Theme: Dating


Bottom Feeders or Trophy Catch?
Bill Brinkworth

I love to fish.  However, I am one of those fishermen who pose no environmental threat.  Many times, I come back with nothing, but it is still fun to try.

Sometimes, when I don’t seem to catch anything with my lures or flies, I switch to a sure-fire method that usually allows me to hook something.  I find the wiggliest worms or the smelliest chicken guts I can get.  I put them on a good-sized hook, make sure there is hefty weight on the line, and then cast it out into deep water.  There it sits on the bottom.  Every once in a while, I will reel it back in to check if the bait is still on, then cast it back out.

Rarely do I catch a wanted bass or trout on that rig (unless they are lost or very dumb).  I usually hook something, but it’s unwanted bottom feeders like catfish, suckers, or carp — at least I could tell my wife I caught something.  Most of the time, my catch from the bottom is not what a fisherman is really trying to hook, and it is rarely something he would ever brag about.

I was thinking of catching the bottom feeders after seeing a young Christian woman’s post on social media one day.  She was showing off how she looked after getting ready for a first-time date. 

There she was in her tight-fitting dress, far from being modest, with make-up that would rival many movie actors, and heels that were nosebleed high.  Although I have only seen actors portraying prostitutes showing their “wares”, she was not dressed much differently.  I was troubled about what she was doing to herself and what she was advertising to her date.

I certainly would not say anything to her, but I would like to.  I want to tell her that when a person dresses like that, she would probably end up with a “bottom feeder”; one of those catches that one usually throws back, and is not proud of pulling in. 

Her dress-up efforts most likely will not attract someone looking for a good wife, not someone looking for intellect, friendship, good character, a sparkling personality, or a good mother for his future children.  Most likely, he will only be attracted to the bait she is offering, get the biggest bite he can get away with, and will soon swim off to see what else the bottom of the lake has to offer.  Then she will be left all alone again, more lonely and rejected than she was before, and she may even wonder where she went wrong.

A child of God should not be looking for “bottom feeders.”  When a fisherman wants to catch a fish worth his time, he uses the right bait and fishes in completely different spots. 

To catch a desired trout, he fishes the cool, deep holes under a shaded tree.  It usually does not look like a likely spot, but that is where you find them.  If the goal is a lively, prized, large tail-dancing bass, then a line is cast among the tall grasses and lily pads.  A Christian should not be going to the wrong, worldly places to find a mate.

Dating should not be about trying to catch everything that is swimming around.  That type of “fishing” often does a lot of mental damage to the “fisherman” and “fish” alike, and the result is usually unhappiness.  Feelings get hurt.  Moral standards get lowered.  Regrets remain.  Frustration flourishes, and long-time marriage goals may be compromised.  Dating should be for mating.  It should be an avenue to find a lifetime marriage partner.

Only the right “catch” should be sought.  The proper catch is one that is spiritually similar. 

A Christian should only be seeking a Christian as a soulmate.  Marriage is a joining (“yoked”) of a man and a wife intended to be for a lifetime.  Two cannot be yoked together if their relationship with the Lord will lead them in different directions.  The goals and thinking are too different between a saved and an unsaved person. 

Often, the pressures of those spiritual differences cause not only disunity between the husband and wife, but to silence marital problems, the Christian frequently changes or hides his/her spiritual feelings and desires.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?  and what communion hath light with darkness?” II Cor. 6:14  Also:Isa. 52:11.

It is quite common that when a believer marries an unbeliever, different problems arise.  One wants to flee sin and obey convictions placed in his/her heart, and the other does not see things the same way.  Often, sin is not recognized or seen as a problem, and it would be unlikely that an unsaved person would want to live for the Lord.  

There cannot be any spiritual commonality between a child of God and a lost person.  A spiritual relationship is far more important than married people realize — until it is too late.

“Well, when we get married, I’ll change him,” is often the excuse.  Rarely can a person change another person’s spiritual condition.  It is the Holy Spirit that successfully changes anyone.  Usually, when a person tries to change another person, regret, resentment, and rebellion result.  Unless the Holy Spirit does the work, a relationship will not flourish.

There is a reason God tells believers to only “yoke up” (work together — and marriage is a lifetime “work”) with like-minded believers.  A Christian should desire to grow.  Growth will be inhibited if a mate is not a child of God also (I Cor. 5:9-13, II Cor. 6:15).  

Once a relationship with an unsaved person begins, it may be hard to end it.  To avoid regrettable actions, never allow yourself to “bottom feed” in the first place.  A regrettable relationship with a lost person will not occur if an unsaved person is never dated.  

Set your goals on a trophy catch.  Go where the “trout” or “bass” are found.  Never lower your expectations, standards, or goals.  If you are a child of God, you deserve only the best, God-selected trophy catch.  That is God’s desire for you also. 

“Ladies, if you run after God like you ran after a man, He will send you a man you won’t have to run after.” — Author Unknown

Advice for a Christian Seeking a Mate
Bill Brinkworth

  • Pray for the right mate!  I know of young people who began praying for the right life partner in their early teens.
  • Grow yourself!  Some seek a mate when they can barely take care of themselves, let alone meet the needs of another!
  • Be patient!  An opportunity for a date does not necessarily mean it is God’s will!  If you are praying about the right mate, God knows about the need.  He will provide.  You or your future spouse may not be ready yet, so do not rush God’s work in the situation.
  • Seek only a Christian (II Cor. 6:14)!
  • Seek a Christian who is as spiritually mature, or more so than you are.  A couple with one who has been saved for a long time and one who has just been saved may have problems, as the younger Christian may need to mature spiritually.
  • Seek one that you can look up to, not one that you have to “fix” to be happy with.
  • Seek in the right places.  A bar, nightclub, or other worldly place is not a place one usually finds a strong Christian.  A strong Christian will be where strong Christians hang out: in church, serving the Lord in a ministry, helping others, etc.
  • Seek one that you like.  Best friends make the best marriage partners.
  • Seek one for their character, moral values, and closeness to the Lord.  Marrying someone for their looks may lead to disappointment as age changes one’s appearance.
  • Seek God’s will and way in the search!
  • Do not necessarily seek a mate that is just like you.  I have observed and experienced that some of the best marriages are between two people who are not the same.  In areas where one is weak, the other is strong, and vice versa.  The two “halves” make a perfect union that only God can put together.



The Bible and Marriage
Bill Brinkworth

  • Marriage is honorable.
    “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” Hebrews 13:4
  • It is a good thing to be married.  God is pleased with that relationship.
    “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” Proverb 18:22 Also: I Tim. 5:14.
  • A husband and wife should show kindness to each other.
    “Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.” I Corinthians 7:3
  • A married person’s life and body are not their own, but belong to their spouse.  Most split-ups involve selfishness somewhere.  Fewer divorces would occur if more mates did not worry about their own needs but about meeting their partner’s needs.  If both in the marriage made this their purpose, both needs would be met, and a happier, more content marriage would result.
    “The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.  Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.” I Corinthians 7:4-5
  • There was no “trying out“ a marriage.  If the sin of fornication (sex outside of marriage) had been committed, the man had the responsibility to make the woman his wife.
    “And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.” Exodus 22:16
  • Touching the opposite sex can lead to sin.  To avoid that trespass, a man and woman should marry.
    “Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.  Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” I Corinthians 7:1-2  Also: I Cor. 7:9.
  • Although we are not under Old Testament law, the principle still applies that a husband and wife are still bound together until death separates them.
    “Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?  For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.  So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.” Romans 7:1-4
  • Although God’s commandments are often disregarded, and man’s laws are frequently obeyed more, God says marriage should be permanent.
    “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Mark 10:9  Also: Matthew 19:6.

“When asked how the married couple stayed together for 65 years, the wife answered, ‘We were born in a time when something was broken, you fixed it, not throw it away as they do now.”— Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #1029 — Sacrifice

In This Issue:
The Greatest Sacrifice
The Sacrifice for Others
Our High Priest

Volume: 1029     December 15, 2025
Theme: Sacrifice

The Greatest Sacrifice
Bill Brinkworth

Jesus existed before being born on Earth.  The Bible states that fact.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 The same was in the beginning with God…. 14 And the Word [Capital “W” so it is a proper noun.  Jesus is the “Word.”] was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-14  Jesus was there at Creation.
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2
“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58
“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” John 17:5
“When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man.  And He placed His right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold,  18 I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.’” Revelation 1:17-18

However, God’s only Son came from a glorious heavenly home to be born as a child on Earth.  Jesus came from a place free from the ravages of sin but chose to go to an iniquity-infested world for an essential, divine purpose.  His purpose was to be the ultimate sacrifice for professing believers to be saved from an eternal punishment due them because of their inherited and committed sin.
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child… 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” Luke 2:4-20

BUT, knowing who He was and what would eventually happen to Him when He came here, Jesus came anyway.  The eternal destiny of your soul was important to Him.

Jesus knew He was born here to die.  He surrendered Himself to be the ultimate sacrifice for all who would trust His gift to be the sacrifice for their sins.
“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10  For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Hebrews 2:9-10

With all Jesus knew about who He was, where He came from, and all the terrible treatments and tortures He would face on Earth, He still came.   He endured sufferings and unpleasantries so that all who would accept His ultimate sacrifice as payment for all their sins would be spared from an eternal, tormenting Hell.  He was a willing sacrifice for what we did.

Has Jesus’ birth and suffering on Earth been for naught because you never accepted His gift for your iniquities?  Or do you have a special reason to celebrate His birth because He came to be your personal Saviour?

I am glad Jesus became the greatest sacrifice for us!  If He did not, none of us would have any hope because He is the only way anyone can get to Heaven.
“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 of Jesus is the only reason for our salvation.”  — Spurgeon



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.  He prepared for death.  He entered the dissecting room, but he 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 self-sacrifice that was!” The Lord Jesus Christ looked out on this plague-stricken world.  He saw that its sins must be “dissected.”  He came down and 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 only God for man.

“Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season”



Our High Priest
Bill Brinkworth

During Old Testament times, some priests served as mediators between God and man, presenting their prayers and sacrifices to Him.  Before Moses, the priests’ duties were often performed by the head of a household, as was the case with Job, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  During Moses’ day, God appointed priests from the Levite lineage, and this practice was intended to continue until the perfect priest came, Jesus Christ.

The Old Testament priests were not perfect.  Their limitations were because:

  • They were ordained (“appointed by”) men, although they were of an ancestry ordered by God (Hebrews 5:1).  Not just any man could be a priest.
  • They had to go to God with sacrifices and gifts (Heb. 5:1, 3).  The offerings were not a one-time gift.  They had to be offered more than once.  They were only temporary appeasements to a Holy God.
  • The priests themselves were sinners.  They also had to give an offering for themselves.  (Heb. 5: 2, 3)

Soon, the priesthood stopped.  The sacrifices halted.  Intercessory prayers and gifts to God ceased, but man was still in desperate need of a mediator between him and God.

God then sent man the perfect Priest.  Man did not appoint him.  He only had to make one offering for all of man’s sins.  That sacrifice covered sins past, present, and even into our future. 

That priest was not of Levi’s lineage.  He was very much like a priest of Abraham’s time — Melchisedec.  Like Melchisedec, whose name means “king of righteousness,” this God-appointed priest was the real King of righteousness.  That priest was the only God-appointed priest.  The priest was God’s only begotten son — Jesus!  Jesus’ one-time sacrifice, which never had to be re-offered, was His own life.

Unfortunately, many have not allowed God’s High Priest to be the sacrifice for their sins.  Too many have rejected Jesus and are still appointing their own priests.  No matter what those sincere people offer to God, it will be refused by the Creator.  They are doing it their way and are rejecting the one-time sacrifice Jesus made for them on Calvary’s cross.

The Old Testament priesthood was for another time — a time before the perfect Priest had been sent by God.  Today, we have the privilege of going to that High Priest, who is not sitting in some earthly temple or church, but is seated at the right hand of the Father in Heaven.  We can accept His offering on the cross to cover all our sins.  After we have accepted Him as our Saviour, we can go to Him anytime with our prayers and needs.  We no longer need an imperfect middleman; we have the perfect mediator — Christ Jesus.

“Jesus was born in a manger for you!”   — Brinkworth