The BIBLE VIEW #958 — Christian Fruit

In This Issue:
Producing Any Fruit?
Godly Fruit
Fruits of the Flesh
He Thought He Lost His Arrow
What One Tract Did
What Can You Lend?

Volume: 958     May 20, 2024
Theme: Christian Fruit

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Producing Any Fruit?
Bill Brinkworth

Jesus likens our relationship to God and Him as to grape vines.  The vines are planted byand watered by the Father (John 15:1, I Cor. 3:9).  

The vines represent Jesus and are cared for by Him (John 15:1).  If we are saved and spiritually born into God’s family, we are the branches on the vine.

God’s watchful eye sees what, and if, we produce anything that He considers is good “fruit”.  That “fruit” is what is done to bring honor and glory to God and what helps others come to know and serve Him better.

John 15 tells more about what Jesus said about “fruit”:

  • It is impossible to have any spiritual fruit unless one is saved and in the “body of Christ” (vs. 2, 4).
  • God removes branches that do not produce any “fruit” (vs. 2), although one does not lose their salvation.  Many are professors of Christ but not yielders of what God requires of them. 

    Their power and help are taken away because they refuse to do what they are commanded.  This is why so many who have been saved but do nothing for God have no answered prayer, changes in their lives, and or leadership from God.
  • God prunes (“purgeth”, vs. 2) those that are producing some Christian “fruits.”  As a husbandman trims the branches of his fruit trees to get them to make more branches and more fruit, so does God allow testing and tribulation to produce more godly “fruits” in our lives.
  • If a Christian does what the Scriptures commands, he will have answered prayer (vs.  7).
  • God is honored and gets the glory when we produce “fruit”.  Many look at a person and know what he was before he was saved, see how the Lord has changed his life, and know that it could only have been done by God.

Many claim to be Christians and even try to produce godly fruit.  They do not fool the Father, and their hypocrisy and lack of genuine Christianity do not even fool the ungodly (vs. 6).  They are like wild grapes that have little fruit.  What they produce is very small, sour, and can be distinguished from a good, cultivated crop.

Examine your fruit.  The Husbandman is also a fruit inspector.  What does Jesus think about your “produce”?

Sow little; produce little.  Sow much; produce much for the glory of God.
— Author Unknown

Godly Fruit

With godly guidance and spiritually correct decisions, one’s life can produce good, spiritual consequences, as defined in Galatians:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:22-26

“If you’re waiting for something to turn up to do for the Lord, try your sleeves.”— Author Unknown

Fruits of the Flesh

What we do is often viewed as our “fruit”.  Here ares some “fruit” which the Bible says is produced from behavior that God’s leadership is not involved in:
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”  Galatians 5:19-21

“The train of failure often runs on the track of laziness.”



He Thought He Lost His Arrow
W. Smith

A young boy once shot an arrow in the air.  Its flight was so high that he soon lost sight of it and failed to find where it had landed.  He spent a long time looking for the arrow in the meadow, but in vain.

Thirty years passed by.  The boy was now a man and he visited the haunts of his boyhood.  Walking around the meadow, he gazed at an oak that frequently sheltered him from the sun rays in his younger days.  He paused under the old tree and found a curious feather protruding from a hollow in the tree.  As he drew out the “feather,” he realized it was the arrow he thought was lost many years ago.

Is not this often true of the efforts of God’s children?  They speak in the ears of sinners; they give a tract; they utter an exhortation, or tell someone about the things of God.  They often do not see where their efforts’ “arrow” landed.  It is impossible for them to track it as it enters the mysterious regions of one’s mind, and they too often deem it lost.

Often, it is not lost.  It has done its work.  Either in future years or in eternity, that effort, like the long-lost arrow, shall come back to its owner, bringing a blessing and even the reward of a duty faithfully performed.

What One Tract Did
W. Smith

While journeying in America, Dr. Coke attempted to ford a river.  His horse lost its foothold, and he was carried down the stream. 

The doctor narrowly escaped drowning by clinging to a branch that overhung the riverside.  A neighboring lady helped him, sent someone to retrieve his horse, and other kindnesses.  Just before he left her house, he gave her a tract about salvation.

For five years the doctor toiled on in the cause of Christ in England and America.  Whether his tract had been destroyed or had pierced a human heart, he did not know.  One day, a young man approached him at a mission conference and requested a couple minutes of the doctor’s time.

“Do you remember, sir, being nearly drowned in the river some five years ago?”

“I remember it quite well,” replied the doctor.

“Do you remember the widow lady at whose house you stayed after escaping from the river?”

“I do and shall never forget the kindness she showed me.”

“And do you remember giving her a tract when you bade her farewell?”

“I do not, but it is possible I did.”

“Yes, sir, you did leave a tract.  That lady read it and was converted.  She lent it to her neighbors, and many of them were saved also.  Several of her children were also saved.  A Bible society was formed, and still flourishes today.”

The statement moved the doctor to tears.  The young many continued, “I have not quite told you all.  I am her son.  That tract led me to Christ.  Now, sir, I am on my way to the mission field to reach others.”

We never know what fruits we can produce when we do the Master’s work.

“Better to wear out than to rust out.” — Cumberland

 

What Can You Lend?
Author Unknown

Peter lent a boat,
To save Jesus from the press;
Martha lent her home
With genuine kindliness.

One man lent a colt,
Another lent a room;
Some threw down their clothes,
And Joseph lent a tomb.

Simon lent his strength,
The cruel cross to bear;
Mary spice brought,
His body to prepare.

What have I to lend?
No boat!  No house!  No lands!
Yet, Lord, I gladly lend
The work of heart and hands.

When a man turns to God desiring to serve Him, God directs  the man’s attention to the world and its need.” — Brunner

The BIBLE VIEW #948 — Quitting

In This Issue:
Marching On
Don’t Quit!
Loyalty

Volume: 948     March 11, 2024
Theme: Quitting

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Marching On
Bill Brinkworth

In respect to the many unidentified, fallen soldiers, there is a monument to their honor at the Arlington National Cemetery.  It is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  There, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the elite guards of the 3rd U. S. Infantry watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier through all weather conditions.

Many visitors go to watch the precision of the guards, especially at the time of the changing of the lone guard.  It is a precision exchange of the patrol.  During one such change, the relief Commander, inspecting the Tomb Sentinel’s weapon, dropped the rifle for a split second.  During that time, the bayonet speared through the Sentinel’s shoe.  Both, trained to be respectful and to finish their task, never let it be known what had happened. 

A bystander’s filming of the event showed the quick slip and a quick grimace on the soldier’s face as the sharp blade pierced his foot.  As the Commander regained control of the weapon, the exercise was continued.  Most did not know what had happened as the two soldiers continued.  Their duty was completed, rhythm was never lost, and the two continued their task.  They marched on.  Except for the blood from the one man’s foot injury and a quick grimace, bystanders never knew what had transpired.

The same should be said of faithful believers.  They may face trials, tribulations, and tremendous testing, but their testimony should still be upheld, and their mission should be continued.  They have hope and guidance no matter what befalls them.  With the confidence that whatever happens in their life, no matter what pain, suffering, stress, or discomfort they face, they are on the winning side and will ultimately be victorious. 

I have been at a funeral where a wife had lost her husband of 50+ years.  There was peace in her handling such a tremendous loss, and her biggest concern that day was more for the hardships of some who gave her their condolences than her loss.  She marched on.

In the hospital room of a man suffering the ravages of a dreadful and sometimes painful disease, the godly patient was more concerned about the hardships an unsaved hospital roommate was facing than his own.  He was more burdened for the soul of the lost person than his difficulty.  He marched on, and his anguish was barely noticeable as he dealt with his trial.

The generosity of the aged woman was tremendous.  The one who visited her had tremendous needs for her family and out-of-work husband.  The widow saw the need and was burdened for her young visitor.  She loaded the visitor up with goods she had preserved earlier that year and many other necessities she found on her mostly empty shelves.  She gave almost all she had, and the needy visitor never even knew that she was being given almost the last the elderly woman had to eat.  The aged widow marched on knowing that the good Lord, who had always provided in the past, would again help her in her time of need.

Some Christians go through trials and testing poorly, kicking, screaming, and blaming God.  Others are confident that their God knows of their situation, trust wholly in His control, and have peace in their valley of tribulation.  When you face difficulties, do you trust that God’s grace through the trial will be enough, or are you a “kicker and a screamer”?  Are you a good testimony for the cause of Christ, or not?  Do you march on to complete your task, no matter what happens in your life?
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” II Cor 12:9-10   Also: I Peter 4:14.

I am only one, but I am one.  I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  And that which I can do, by the grace of God, I will do.”  — D. L. Moody

Don’t Quit!
Bill Brinkworth

Too many quit or desire to when the going gets rough.  In most cases, one never really quits the problem; one just runs away from it.  The dilemma is still there. 

Quitters are everywhere:

  • Husbands feel they cannot handle the “burden” of being a husband and father and run away.  Although he is distant from his family, he is still a father and husband.  His running away has not changed that.  The problem he ran away from usually gets far bigger than it originally was because he failed to deal with the situation.
  • Wives run off, abandoning families and husbands.  However, she is still a wife and mother.  She’s just missing in action. 
  • Children sometimes do not like their parents’ rules.  They run away, but they still have the same parents.  They just put space between the unsolved problem that will probably haunt them the rest of their lives unless they stay and work out the difficulty.
  • Students quit school but usually spend their lives without training and education.  The rest of their lives are stalled because they never learned the lessons needed to improve their lives.
  • Friends quit long-term friendships because of arguments. 
  • Employees quit when they do not like what is happening at the workplace.

It usually is easy to walk away from an uncomfortable situation.  It does not take character, intelligence, or common sense to run away when the way gets tough.  Rarely is anything solved by quitting, however. 

There will always be problems in life.  Unsolved problems have a way of following us wherever we go.

Many take their quitting lifestyle and try to apply it to their spiritual lives.  Here are several reasons why one cannot quit on God:

You cannot quit being a Christian.  Once a true Christian, always a Christian.  You did not earn it.  Salvation was a gift if you trusted Jesus’ finished work on the cross as payment for all your sins.  You cannot lose that, if you really trusted Him in the first place.  However, too many quit being Christ-like, and that is why this world is flooded with persons professing to be Christians, but their lifestyles and testimonies do not look any different than a lost person’s.
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:28-29

You cannot quit because the enemy has nothing to offer.  There are only two sides – Satan’s and God’s.  If you are truly saved by faith, you cannot get unsaved and be on the loser’s side.  You can, however, have a life that looks like the losing side and have little peace in this life.
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13

You cannot quit because victory may be just around the corner.  Troubles and tribulations are part of the school of life.  You may be very close to passing the “test” and completing life’s next lesson.  Do not quit now.
“And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever.  Amen.” II Timothy 4:18

You cannot quit when you make a mistake.  Just get back in the saddle and try again.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:35-39

You cannot quit now; you will miss the harvest.  Maybe one day, your problem will be over, and you will reap a blessing from the tribulation.  Perhaps it will be tomorrow or the day after.  Spiritual fruit does not come the day it is planted.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:58  Also: John 15:4.


Life always has difficulties.  If you are a Christian, you are on the winning side.  Do not quit now.  Victory is possible, and it is a blessing when it is achieved.

“Don’t think you get nothing from quitting.  You get guilt, anger, depression, confusion, etc. … You never said they were feelings you wanted.” 
Nicholas O’Callaghan


Loyalty
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, March 5

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

Joy means the perfect fulfillment of that for which I was created and regenerated, not just the successful doing of a thing.  The joy of our Lord was in doing what the Father sent Him to do, and He said, “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” John 20:21

Have I received a ministry from the Lord?  If so, I have to be loyal to it, to count my life precious only for the fulfilling of that ministry.  Think of the satisfaction it will be to hear Jesus say, “… Well done, thou good and faithful servant: …” (Mat. 25:21); to know that you have done what He sent you to do.  We have all should find our niche in life, and spiritually we find it when we receive our ministry from the Lord.  In order to do, this we must have companied with Jesus.  We must know Him as more than a personal Saviour.
“… lovest thou me? … Feed my sheep.” (John 21:16)

There is no choice of service, only absolute loyalty to our Lord’s commission, and loyalty to do what you discern when you are in closest contact with God.  If you have received a ministry from the Lord Jesus, you will know that the need is never the call; the need is the opportunity.  The call is loyalty to the ministry you received when you were in real touch with Him. 

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.” — Mc Kenzie

The BIBLE VIEW #945 —Christianity

In This Issue:
Bee Gone
The Unwanted Watchman

Volume: 945    February 19, 2024
Theme: Christianity

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Bee Gone
Bill Brinkworth

One of God’s smaller creations, honeybees, is very important to the Earth’s ecosystem.  Their buzzing from one flower to another while gathering nectar and pollen is critical in producing fruit and plant reproduction.  Some estimations calculate that more than one-third of our food supplies depend on the tiny bees’ hard work.  Without them, man’s food supply would be in danger.

In recent years, particularly after 2006, something unexplained and disturbing has happened to the critical, tiny pollinators.  All over the world, in many countries, including Belgium, China, Egypt, France, Italy, Japan, Spain, Germany, and the United States, beekeepers have discovered many bee colonies have just disappeared!

The hives have been found empty of adult bees, with few or no dead bees left behind.  Many of their unborn hatch, along with their honey food supply, are left behind, which bees rarely do.  The phenomenon has been termed the “Colony Collapse Disorder.”

If not controlled or stopped, the loss of bees could drastically hinder man’s food supply.  It could be a very serious problem.

Many theories as to why the bees are disappearing have been presented.  The explanations for this unusual happening include viruses, malnutrition, pesticides, mites, fungi, beekeeping procedures, and radiation from cellular phones.

Although many scientific communities are working diligently to solve the problem, many are realizing what could happen if God’s key to plant reproduction disappeared.  Without the bees fulfilling their tasks, the entire world will suffer.  They are an essential cog in this world’s wheel of survival.

Prayerfully, the mysterious bee disappearances will be stopped shortly.  Examining what could happen from the loss of bees and their work reminds me of another small but essential, unseen worker who is very important to the present and eternal future of all humanity.  It is the Christian, particularly the practicing, obedient believer.

The world is doing all it can to stifle and silence Christians.  The once permanent fixture in all public schools, the Bible and prayer, has been removed.  Within the same walls where God’s Word was once taught and read, young people are now trained to show disrespect to Christianity, as it is ridiculed, scorned, and questioned. 

TV and other media have had an open season on Christianity by mocking, scoffing, and ridiculing the things of God.  Special days originally celebrated to help America remember their Benefactor and Saviour, including Christmas and Easter, have been banned or altered.  Those once “religious” days are now just holidays in which many do not even murmur the name of the Person the day is honoring.

It is now upsetting to the news media and others when God is called upon to help our nation.  This happened when a past governor of Georgia called to God in prayer to help his state with their drought situation (by the way, it did rain shortly after he prayed). 

Laws once inspired by the Word of God are being changed to limit the public recognition of Him.  Many have attempted to remove public displays of the Ten Commandments and other biblical references from courthouses and government buildings.  If public prayer is performed, great offense is registered if Jesus’ name is mentioned.

In response to the pressure put on them by a God-hating, immoral few, many Christians have succumbed to the pressure put on them.  Public figures, preachers, and many others, afraid of not being politically correct, have toned down and quieted their cry against ungodly practices and sin.  The once stalwart Christian influence in America has become a weak whisper.

Just as the world would face disaster if the bees disappeared, so will this world if Christianity and the Bible continue to be silenced.  God and His word are the root of all morality.  Without the Bible’s influence and standards, there would be no stopping crime and ungodly behaviors. 

Crime and sin are often identified by the Word of God, which puts its finger on sins such as stealing, murder, adultery, homosexuality, and many more.  Without the Bible’s guidance, why would those crimes be wrong to a culture that does not accept the Bible’s truths?  Without biblical influence, what would keep an ungodly world from doing “whatever feels good,” no matter how disastrous it would be to society? 

Sadly, this is already happening.  Adultery is commonplace and even somewhat tolerated when performed by governmental and educational leaders who are supposed to be examples of good behavior to our society. 

The crime rate is so high that much of our tax dollars are spent trying to control it.  Generations have grown up and have not even known what is right or wrong, according to God’s guidelines. 

Right and wrong are being redefined by whatever power or group has the loudest voice and can put the biggest scare into the people.  In many places, godless anarchy is in control.

The world is suffering greatly because Christians, who have God’s only truth and know better, are silent.  Obedience to the Word of God can improve this world and has done so for thousands of years.  It can be done again if only more would hear His truths. 

Like the bees, practicing and obedient Christians are essential to have an in-control world.  Although unpopular and unwanted, the only hope for this world is when Christians take the truth they have hidden and bring it to light again to help this world. 

Christians have God’s truth.  How will the world know it if we do not share and show them it?

“In the Christian life, we must lose to gain; we must give to obtain; we must be last to be first; we must be humble to be exalted.”  — Henry


The Unwanted Watchman
Bill Brinkworth

Ezekiel had a daunting task that many preachers and obedient Christians have today.  He was to watch over the people God appointed him to minister to and to warn them of what God would tell him (Ezekiel 3:17).

To make the prophet’s mission more difficult, God told the watchman that the people he would deliver his message to would be rebellious against God (Eze. 2:3, 3:7), would be shameless in their involvement in sin, and would be stubborn in changing their ways (Eze. 2:4).  His task, as is ours, was to be the “delivery boy” of the Word of God, no matter what happened.  What they did with the Truth was up to them, but Ezekiel was to broadcast God’s Word.

God knew how hard it would be for Ezekiel to continue giving God’s commandments to a people who did not want to do God’s will and way.  He knew many would not stop their determination to do their “own thing”.  The Lord knew those resisting His commandments would speak hurtful, degrading words to the prophet, would give him demeaning looks (Eze. 2:6), and eventually jail him for his persistence in trying to help them (Eze. 3:25).  Still, the man of God was to continue to be faithful in warning the people of the inevitable judgment for their sins.

Ezekiel’s message to the people differs from what every child of God is responsible to give to those they encounter today.  Still, all we have an opportunity to speak to should be made aware of God’s warnings to those who violate His will and way.

Since few read the Word of God for themselves and will not know God’s commandments without reading it, Christians must tell as many as possible what His truths are.  Most of us would not be saved (Romans 10:9) and have God’s promise of Heaven if someone had not planted a seed of God’s Truth or attempted to tell us what the Bible said.  We also have the same unselfish responsibility to tell others (James 5:20, Mark 16:15, John 4:36, Luke 14:23).

Not everyone who hears God’s Word will happily repent after being told what God says about their lifestyle, sin, or actions.  The first time we heard God’s Truth, most likely we did not heed God’s commands, nor will others always obey it.

Ezekiel was warned three things could happen to a person because of the prophet’s expounding what God’s Word said.  Those principles can also apply today when a Christian does or does not warn his neighbors of what the Word of God says.  They include:

  • When there is an opportunity to tell others about the consequences of their sin, and we do not, their blood can be on our hands!  Their demise from sin could have been averted if we had told them, and we may be held accountable!
    “When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Ezekial 3:18   Also: Eze. 3:20, II Cor. 2:16, Heb. 13:17.
  • If we warn others of their involvement in wickedness, and they do not cease their participation in sin, they may even die!  We, however, will not be held accountable.
    “Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” Eze. 3:19
  • If a person is warned and they refrain from their sin, they may not face chastisement, and we will have helped that person.
    “Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.” Eze. 3:21  

It may not be popular when a person is warned that they will not go to Heaven unless they trust Christ alone for their salvation.  Nor will many be receptive when we tell them what the Bible says about the iniquities of adultery, drunkenness, lying, cheating, disobedience, or any other sinful behavior.

Warning others about what God says about their involvement in sin may earn us their unkind words or cross looks, as it did Ezekiel.  However, being a caring watchman for their souls will be doing what the Lord requires of us.  If we do not tell them, who will?

“Tolerance and apathy are the last virtues of a dying society.” — Aristotle

The BIBLE VIEW #942 — Character

In This Issue:
Good and Bad Character
The Character and Attributes of God
Honesty Is a Principle
We Remember Their Character
Test of Sanctified Character
Character
Where Are Your Convictions?

Volume: 942    January 29, 2024
Theme: Character

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Good and Bad Character
Bill Brinkworth

A person is exhibiting good character, as given by many biblical examples, when:

  • He uses the old biblical standard for morality, wisdom, and good behavior rather than the constantly changing public opinion.
  • He sticks to his word, no matter what it costs him.  His word, including commitments, means something to him.
  • He fights temptation rather than giving in to it.
  • He is more interested in what is right than what is popular.  His principles cannot be altered or compromised by peer pressure.
  • He puts others’ needs in front of his desires.
  • He consistently does the same thing, even when no one is looking!
  • Doing what he thinks is right is more important than any embarrassment, public opinion, or other negative thing it may cost him.
  • He learns from his mistakes and does not intentionally repeat them.
  • He has godly, rather than selfish, priorities.
  • He is as honest with himself as he is with others.
  • He lets principles, rather than emotions, pride, or opinions, guide him.
  • He seeks and follows truth, even if it costs or pains him to do so.

A person is not exhibiting good character when:

  • He changes his stand from biblical principles and morals to match those that oppose what he is voicing.  A man of good character will not succumb to mob rule or mob mentality!
  • He makes choices that he believes are popular.  He is more interested in popularity or what he can get out of a situation than doing the right thing.
  • He is more interested in instant gratification rather than long-term results.

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your future!”


  The Character and Attributes of God

Gleaned from Bible Readings for the Home, 1943

 A Christian should be Christ-like.  Christ was like His Father.  Here is how the Bible describes God’s character:

  • “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” I John 4:8
  • “The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” Psalms 145:17
  • “And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.” Ex. 34:6, 7
  • “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Ps. 86:15
  • “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;” Deut. 7:9
  • “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Col. 2:3
  • “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: (impartial, unprejudiced)” Acts 10:34
  • “The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” Ps. 145:9

“When you run away from a problem, it most likely will follow you the rest of your life, no matter where you go!”

Honesty Is a Principle
Author Unknown

A slave boy on the auctioneer’s block was approached by a kind-hearted man who asked, “If I buy you and take you to a beautiful home, will you be honest and truthful?”

The young man answered without hesitation, “Sir, I will be honest and truthful whether you buy me or not!”

We Remember Their Character
Author Unknown

Abel, had the best sacrifice
Abraham, waited for God’s promises
Adam, the sinner that tainted all mankind
Daniel, the brave one
David, deep trust in God
Elijah and Elisha, relied on God
Eve, succumbed to serpent-pressure
Jacob, sneaky and an opportunist
Jesus, Holy, obedient, righteous…
Job, patient and trusted on God
Jonah, disobedient to God
Joseph, the chaste and upright
Judas, betrayed Jesus
Obadiah, the faithful
Moses, follower of God
Nehemiah, man with a burden to continue to worship God’s way
Paul, determined to do what God commanded
Satan, enemy of God
You!  What best describes your character:  ________________


Tests of Sanctified Character
Author Unknown

Some of the acid tests of sanctified character will always be:

  1. Can you labor on cheerfully without earthly reward?
  2. Can you toil on hopefully without tangible returns?
  3. Can you travel the road of frequent criticism without bitterness?
  4. Can you sacrifice, pray, and give while others lead the procession and receive the honors?  Are you willing to be the soil where providential events may grow while others fill the places of leaves and blossoms on the trees of time?

“Truthfulness is a cornerstone in character, and if it is not firmly laid in youth, there will ever be a weak spot in one’s character.” — J. Davis


Character
Author Unknown

The Greek word from which our word “character” originates refers to a sharp-pointed instrument or engraving tool.  This definition can also be applied to our personal “character.”  Our character is the means by which each of us makes an impression on the world; our character labels us. 

The instrument itself is not a finished product.  It is a mere tool, but character improves with use like many a fine instrument.  Our actions and reactions temper our disposition and strengthen us to face future obstacles.  Each must forge his character.  Each must be responsible for keeping it in condition.  Each must also be responsible for its results.

Where Are Your Convictions?”
Author Unknown

A certain congressman once voted for the approval of an immoral bill.  He knew he was doing wrong, but he stifled his conscience in obedience to political expediency demands.

Not long afterward, while visiting his home, he met an old friend on the street.  After they had exchanged greetings, the friend frankly told the congressman how disappointed he was by the leader’s vote.  “You voted wrong on that bill, John.  You must have known it was wrong.  How did you happen to vote that way?”

“Well, yes,” admitted the embarrassed politician.  “I’m afraid it wasn’t the right way to vote, but you have no idea what pressure I am under.”

“Pressure?” echoed his friend.  “Where are your convictions, courage, and conscience that can help you bear that pressure?” The question was a searching one.   It mercilessly exposed the congressman’s lack of character to stand by his convictions. 

“Do right until the stars fall!” — Bob Jones, Sr.

The BIBLE VIEW #940 — Getting Along

In This Issue:
Handling Conflicts
Don’t Let the Carnal Fight the Carnal!
Love Them No Matter What
Foolish Words

Volume: 940    January 15, 2024
Theme: Getting Along

Get the New Testament reading schedule at:
https://openthoumineeyes.com/assets/readntt.pdf


Handling Conflicts
Bill Brinkworth

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

Everybody has had a problem with somebody sometime.  What does the Bible say to do when you are offended?

It does not say to start a smear campaign and tell everybody your side of the situation to get them on “your side.”   That usually gets a bunch of people bitter at one another.  When you do that and convincingly get others to think you are right and the other wrong, you bring the innocent listener “shame and folly” (Proverbs 18:13) for making him judge a situation without hearing the other side.

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

If the person is a Christian, God’s Word says to go to the offender.  Many times, that person may not even know they offended you.  Going to the person one-on-one will often solve the problem.

When you go to that person, you may discover:

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

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

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

People shudder at the Bible’s way of handling a problem.  Most do not deal with the situation correctly.   That is why there are so many disgruntled people in churches.  It is also why many “… soweth discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:19), and some live with bitterness.

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

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



Don’t Let the Carnal Fight the Carnal!
Bill Brinkworth

Like so many Christians even today, Paul faced opposition from other Christians.  Some in the churches he spoke at questioned his apostleship, and others accused him of walking in the flesh (II Corinthians 10:2).  

No matter the accusation, Paul chose not to fight back.  He decided not to fight those who were carnal with his own carnal retorts.  He was determined to let his works for the Lord speak for themselves and let the Lord do the rest of the battling (II Cor. 10:4-8).

Most who attend a church may have someone falsely accuse them of something or else have one’s feelings hurt at least once.  No church is perfect.  It is a God-commanded assembly of believers, and it may have mostly Christians in attendance, but none of them are perfect. 

Some members of the church family are more carnal than others.  They see things from a fleshly perspective, not how God sees them (II Cor.10:5).  To make matters worse, they often voice their opinions about other members.  When this is done, someone usually gets hurt.

Too many, unfortunately, get wind of what was said about them and leave the church — never to darken the ministry again.  My first thought is usually, “Who would be behind such a move of leaving a church for the wrong reasons — God or Satan?”  It certainly would not be of God to disobey His commandment (Hebrews 10:24-25) to assemble with other believers, yet people leave churches all the time for the wrong reasons.

There have been times that my wife and I also have had things said about us by other church family members.  The false accusations hurt us deeply, but we remembered that we were not in attendance for the accusers but for God.  He wanted us to stay, and we did.  It was a hard time, and we prayed much about the situation. 

We never missed a meeting, and we kept at the work the Lord had for us.  Over time, we looked around and noticed that our accusers were no longer in attendance.  God does take care of his own, but that does not mean that there will not be difficulties.

Paul stayed and did what God told him to do, and God used him greatly.  His accusers names are not even mentioned in the Bible, but Paul is still remembered.  Be a “Paul.”  Purpose in your heart whom you will serve, and then let the Lord handle the light work!

“Hopefully, you didn’t go to church for ‘feelings’, so don’t leave if they get hurt.  You should be going to church to be obedient to the Lord!


Love Them No Matter What

We are not only to get along with other Christians, but we are to love them.

  • “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34
  • “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” John 15:12
  • “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Gal. 5:14
  • “These things I command you, that ye love one another.” John 15:17
  • “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
  • “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:” I Thess. 3:12
  • “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.” I Thess. 4:9
  • Also: Heb. 13:1, I Peter 1:22, 2:17, I John 3:11, 23, I John 4:7, 11-12.



Foolish Words
Bill Brinkworth

Proverbs 18 brings to light behavior tolerated by most but not accepted by God.  His Word shows that those types of conduct are foolish.

We see here that foolishness:

  • Is not wanting to understand all sides of a matter.  The fool is more concerned about doing what feels right or seems the best thing for him to do.  This sounds more like the desire today to do what is popular rather than what is logical, moral, fact-related, or helpful.
    “A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.”
    Proverbs 18:2
  • Is making a decision or judgment after hearing only one side of the situation or story.  Without knowing all sides of an account and only portions of what is considered, wrong assumptions will be made.  Facts are often not the fool’s concern, as they prefer decisions based on emotions and not truth.
    “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Proverbs 18:13
  • Are words that are often disliked and shameful.  Sadly, the speaker may not even realize the derogatory impact of his speech on others.
    “A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.” Proverbs 18:6
  • Often comes off one’s lips and ruins one’s character, respect, and testimony.  Many times, it is not even realized that one’s worst enemy is one’s thoughts and words.
    “A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.” Proverbs 18:7


After reading the wisdom of these four types of foolishness, it should bring to mind the actions and words heard today from prominent speakers, politicians, media outlets, and others.  Their statements may be eloquent and contain official-sounding, ten-dollar catchy phrases, but much of what we hear is not wisdom.  In God’s eyes, much of what is said and accepted is still foolish.

“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.”  Proverbs 15:2

The BIBLE VIEW #939 — Changes

In This Issue:
New Things
Why Are They Different?

Volume: 939    January 8, 2024
Theme: Changes

Get the New Testament reading schedule at:
https://openthoumineeyes.com/assets/readntt.pdf


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” to some,  but there are many new things that obeying and living for the Lord can offer.

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

A new birth. When one becomes a child of God, he has a new spiritual birth.  He is a new, different creature.
“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.  It comes with new chances in life with great 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” Psalms 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.” Psalms 40:3  A
lso: Psalms 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 apply 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 by a child of God.  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 commands 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” which thinks much differently than 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; 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 be created. 
“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.” Rev. 21:1-2

“If you have not experienced many of the first six changes mentioned above, you may not be saved!  Gulp! “ — Bill Brinkworth


Why Are They Different?
Bill Brinkworth

Luke 7:36-48 answers a question some have.  They wonder, ”Why are so many second-generation Christians not having the same enthusiasm and excitement about the things of God and serving Him as their parents did?” 

In those Luke 7 verses, we read of a very sinful woman. Many have supposed from her description that she was a harlot.  When the woman found Jesus was nearby, she visited Him. She wept as she washed Jesus’ road-weary feet with her tears and anointed Him with ointment.  Because of her apparent love and respect for Jesus and her broken-heartedness over her past sins, Jesus forgave her. 

A parable (Luke 7:41-42) given by Christ explains the key to her broken spirit over her guilt.  The Saviour’s teaching story taught that the one that was forgiven the most was the most appreciative and loving of the Saviour.

This explains why some today, with a sinful past, are the most appreciative after being saved. Drunkards have gotten saved from the clutches of alcohol, and when they got saved, they have a different, hopeful future.  Adulterers who have seen relationships crumble from rampant sin have become faithful, loyal spouses after becoming born again. 

Violent men have become excellent, peaceful fathers after the Saviour came into their lives and changed them from the inside out.  When millions of sin-torn lives trusted the Saviour’s sacrifice and received God’s pardon for their sins, they were transformed. 

After those rescued souls got closer to God and learned what He wanted for them, they made things right that were wrong. They usually concluded that exposure to the ungodly worldliness encouraged them to make wrong turns. To prevent their loved ones from making the same bad decisions, they did all they could to keep others from going the wrong way.

Parents made sure their children were in church. Families had daily Bible-reading devotions. Financial sacrifices were made to send children to Christian schools so they would not be polluted by secular education. 

With all the effort put into them, often those second-generation Christians, although they may have gotten saved, still went in the wrong spiritual direction.  The children, although insulated from powerful, sinful influences, got the desire to “taste” sin. The allure of the shiny things of this world has often led the second generation right back into the mire from which the previous generation was rescued.

Why does this happen so often? Unfortunately, our sinful nature often prohibits us from learning from those who have learned a lesson the hard way.  We ignore advice from those who have already traveled the wrong road and must learn the lesson for ourselves — sometimes the dangerous path. 

It would save much heartache, grief, and destroyed lives if people would listen to those warning them of the wrong direction in which they are headed.  No one should have to repeat the errors of others!

“Insanity is following the bad examples of others and expecting a different result!” — Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #925 — Getting Right with Others

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

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

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

Get It Right — Immediately!
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.  26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:25-26
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9

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


When Anger Is Sinful
J. Beaumont, 1871

Anger is a sin:

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

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

You’re Only Fooling Yourself
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The BIBLE VIEW #923 — Forgiveness

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

Volume: 923     September 11, 2023
Theme: Forgiveness

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


Handled Properly
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


“Sincerely,
“D.”

Included with the letter was a gift certificate for two at a local restaurant.

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

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

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

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

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

Read a related article at http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/ephesians/lets-go-out-to-the-tree/

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


What Can be Learned
Philips, 1871

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


“If I Had Known!”
D. L. Moody, 1877

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The BIBLE VIEW #911 — Thoughtlife

In This Issue:
A Tale of Two Minds
Our Thoughts
As We Think
A Recipe for Health

Volume: 911   June 19, 2023
Theme: Thoughtlife

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A Tale of Two Minds
Bill Brinkworth 

“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

After one is saved, it is often argued that a child of God is “brainwashed. After having a lifetime of being filled with godless, worldly philosophies and unhealthy ideas, most brains need to be washed of unscriptural influences.

When one is saved, he becomes a new creature (II Cor. 5:17) with a new mind.  Examine some of what the Bible says about the new, godly mind:

A godly mind should have desires and thinking similar to Christ’s.  As the acronym WWJD suggests: What would Jesus Do?  What would He do if He were in the situation in which you find yourself?  We should have thinking patterns similar to those of the Son of God.
“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

A godly mind wants to please God. 
It shares the desires that God has instilled in it.  An unsaved person cannot experience this.  This is why they do not understand the different thinking of a Christian.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:” Hebrews 8:10   Also: I Peter 1:13, 3:8.

A godly mind should be an eager, willing one desiring to serve God and follow His leadership.

When Nehemiah took on the task of rebuilding the place to worship God, he was successful because there were people helping him with a mind to work.  Work for God will not grow if people do not desire to work to accomplish the desires He has put in their hearts.
“So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.” Nehemiah 4:6

David had a deep desire to build a place of worship.  Because his background involved much bloodshed, God would not allow him to build the temple.  Solomon, David’s son, could build it, according to God.  David put his energies into getting the materials to build it, so the place of worship could be built.  His godly mindset was to build a place to worship God even if he was not allowed to build it.  The leader was determined to help another construct it.  We need to have similar thinking in accomplishing something for the Lord.

“And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God:” I Chronicles 22:7  

A godly mind should be a remembering mind.  This mind remembers the spiritual lessons it was taught.  It is a mind that can hear and understand the words and urgings of God.  It is a spiritually sensitive mindset.

An example is Peter.  Peter was not standing up for Jesus as he should have, but he remembered what he was told.
“And the second time the cock crew.  And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.  And when he thought thereon, he wept.” Mark 14:72    A “remembering” mind can be convicted of God’s will and way.

A godly mind is a “right” mind.  When Jesus healed the demoniac, he put the man in his “right mind.”  This implies there is such a thing as a “wrong mind.”
“And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.” Mark 5:15


Here is how God defines a wrong, ungodly mind:
An ungodly mind is a forgetful mind.  No, I am not referring to the aged mind that forgets what it did yesterday.  I am referring to a mind that chooses not to remember the things of God that it has already learned.  That mindset does not want to hear the convicting voice of God.
“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;” Romans 1:28

An ungodly mind is a prideful mind.  King Nebuchadnezzar had such a mind, and God taught him a painful lesson.  The King learned the hard way who was responsible for his success.
“But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:” Daniel 5:20   Also: Romans 12:16

An ungodly mind is a reprobate mind.  Its thoughts and desires are abandoned to sin.  The commission of sin does not bother one’s conscience.
“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;”  Romans 1:28

The world has often influenced an ungodly mind, or it has never had any godly precepts put into it.  It prioritizes the temporary glitter the world offers more than it does living for the Lord and pleasing Him.
“Because the carnal mind is enmity [opposite of friendship] against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Romans 8:7  


Are you a child of God?  If so, there is no guarantee that our minds will have the proper thinking.  We have to guard our thought-life and fill it with godly influences.  As is often said to explain computer data errors, “Garbage in, garbage out!”

Are godly influences going into your mind?  Are you letting that mindset lead you?  Christian, is your mind the mind of Christ He intends it to be?
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:5

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” — Proverbs 23:7  


Our Thoughts
War Cry

 Our thoughts make us.  They are the silent builders of the temple of character we are rearing.  They give color and form to the entire building.

If we think properly, we are rearing a fabric whiter than Parian marble.  If our thoughts are evil, the fabric rising within us is blemished.

The inner and the outer life will always correspond in the end. An evil heart will work through to the surface.

If a man’s life is righteous, you know his thoughts are just.  Unjust thoughts will never yield righteousness in conduct.

Thoughts seem mere nothings.  They are like flecks of cloud flying through the air and like flocks of birds flittering by and are gone.  However, they are the most natural things about our life.

Our thoughts fly out like birds and take their place in the world.  Our heart is still their home-nest, where they may return to dwell.

“The mind grows by what it feeds on.” — Holland


As We Think
Daniel Robbins, War Cry

The mind is like a crowded street
Where phantom thoughts like people meet;
Some hard at work, some idle are,
Some stay at home, some wander far.
Some thoughts wield power that ever lives
A power that inspiration gives,
While others dwell with us awhile,
Then pass, as transient as a smile.
Thus, come and go these thoughts of ours,
Some perfume-laden as the flowers,
While others sear our lives with blight
And bring no pleasure or delight.
Our thinking lifts us to the stars,
Or seals our hearts with prison bars
Confers on us both joy and strife,
For as we think we fashion life.

“He that never thinks, never can be wise.”   — Johnson


A Recipe for Health
Gospel Herald

“We do not advance upward unless we yearn upward,” it has been said.  Our thoughts shape our lives.  We grow little or big by the ideals we cherish and the thoughts upon which we dwell.

“Avoid worry, anger, fear, hate, and all abnormal and depressing mental states,” said an eminent authority on health.  This victory over harmful thoughts cannot be achieved by suppressing these feelings but by supplanting them with proper thinking, which is becoming the followers of Jesus Christ and the outgrowth of a close walk with the Lord.

Thinkers think, and doers do.  But, until the thinkers do and the doers think, progress will be just another word in the already overburdened vocabulary of the talkers who talk.” — Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #890 — Christian Example

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

Volume: 890     January 1, 20239
Theme: Christian Example

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It Could Have Been Me
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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


A Child of God Should Be…
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


I Am A Soldier
Author Unknown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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