Christian Living | THE BIBLE VIEW

The BIBLE VIEW #1052 —Bad Decisions

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

Volume: 1052 June 15, 2026
Theme: Wrong Decisions

Ruined!
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14

If One Could Hear from Hell
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The BIBLE VIEW #1050 — Hatred

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

Volume: 1050 June 1, 2026
Theme: Hatred

Hatred and Love
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love everyone, even those who hate you!
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” Romans 12:14

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

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

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

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

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

The Old Nature
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Life Long Battle
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The BIBLE VIEW #1048 — Church

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

Volume: 1048 May 10, 2026
Theme: Church

Family Time
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back Seat Problem
Author Unknown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What My Absence in Church Did
Author Unknown

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

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

Upper or Supper Room?
Author Unknown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The BIBLE VIEW #1042 — Lying

In This Issue:
Liar! Liar! Your Testimony Is On Fire!
Lying Lips

Volume: 1042 March 30, 2026
Theme: Lying

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Liar! Liar! Your Testimony Is On Fire
Bill Brinkworth

Honesty is one of the most important glues that binds people together. Without truth, trust between people cannot be achieved.

Relationships most often will not last when dishonesty is involved. Societies will fall apart, as the only remaining truthful source will be one’s own biased, often-changing opinion.

Unfortunately, taking one’s truthful word on a subject is a thing of the past for many. It used to be that if someone gave their word on a matter, they would keep their commitment, no matter the consequences, but not anymore.

It is often discovered that a fellow worker’s promises mean little. Friends, to avoid doing something, offer a fabricated excuse for not participating. A “little white lie” is still a lie and can cause future distrust.

After watching the news, one is often shocked by the untruths that flow freely from leaders’ mouths. A quick follow-up on what the person actually said is shown, and one’s apparent falsehood is made public. Yet, there is no retraction; no apology, only further justification of one’s falsehood. In too many situations, it seems the liar got away with their deceit and faced no repercussions. Politicians caught in lies often get re-elected, and their untruths are forgotten and unpunished.

Actual footage of a lawbreaker’s crime shows that he was guilty of the crime for which he was accused. However, the violator’s own words stick to an untruth, no matter what the evidence reveals. Police have a difficult time determining what happened in an incident because many of those involved lie.

A wayward spouse insists that they were not unfaithful, even though it was apparent to all involved that it was a lie. Children caught in the act of doing something they were not allowed to do, deny that they did it. Proof again does not change their deceitfulness.

Liars are all about us. We, too, must admit that we have lied at times.
“I said in my haste, All men are liars.” Psalm 116:11
“God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” Romans 3:4

With the advent of artificial intelligence, pictures loaded on the internet show a political appointee in a compromising situation. Most know it is not true, but some accept the dishonest picture as truth. A seed of distrust may have been planted.

Others, if they realize it or not, slowly discover that nothing seen or said can be believed. Mistrust spreads. Society weakens and becomes desensitized to dishonesty.

Dishonesty has always been a plague. However, in my lifetime, it has never been so unleashed. Society seems not to be that concerned, and at times has even allowed untruthfulness to be treated as entertainment. Sometimes the heroes of a movie live lives of deceit but are still the “good guys.”

Lying was not always prevalent. Satan was the starter and encourager of lying.
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44

However, Satan’s creator, God, is honest. He can always be trusted. God’s Word, found in the Bible, can also be relied on. It is the Truth!
“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:” Hebrews 6:18

God hates all sin, including lying. For that, and many more reasons, we should strive to be honest!
“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,” Proverbs 6:16
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” Proverbs 12:22

To have a relationship with God and others, one must place a high value on honesty.
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24
“The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” Psalm 145:18
“Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.” Joshua 24:14

To get along with others, truthfulness is needed. That is why God demands we be honest.
“These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:” Zechariah 8:16
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Yes, we are all sinners and liars by nature. However, a child of God has a new nature. Being born again can allow us to do all we can to please our God, and being honest is an important step in reaching that goal. We can now make our words truthful and more reliable to others. Our words can now have value!
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” Ephesians 4:25
“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:” Proverbs 3:3

“A liar is not believed even though he tells the truth.” — Cicero

Lying Lips
Bill Brinkworth

From a young age, most know it is wrong to lie. Perhaps it is an innate guilt or a learned “no-no” from reprimands from parents, friends, or teachers.

The nonacceptance of untruths is universally frowned upon, or it used to be, and the bearer of falsehoods is often mistrusted and avoided. One should learn quickly that dishonesty is not acceptable.

A lie exposed has cost many future suspicions from friends, fellow workers, and casual and long-time acquaintances. Because of discovered untruths, relationships have been shattered, jobs have been lost, and even jail time has been the penalty for many who lied.

Lying lips have cost many much more than ever realized. God also does not tolerate falsehoods and demands that people, especially Christians, be true to their word.

God’s Word, the Bible, has much to say and warn about untruths:

God and His Son, Jesus, are honest. Since believers should be like our Saviour, Christ-like, we should also be truthful.
“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:” Hebrews 6:18
“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” Titus 1:2

God hates untruths!
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” Proverbs 12:22

God commands us not to lie!
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Exodus 20:16
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” I John 3:18

Lies are often told because of pride.
“For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.” Psalm 59:12
“The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.” Psalm 119:69

Liars twist and change God’s truths to enable them to do what they desire rather than what God commands.
“Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” Romans 1:25

Although usually our weak flesh succumbs to dishonesty, often people may be encouraged to lie by Satan’s influence. Since an unsaved person does not typically heed God’s commandments, it may be easier to follow the leading of God’s and humanity’s enemy.
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44

God knows who is honest.
“The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.” II Corinthians 11:31

A good witness of a situation should tell the truth of what was seen, heard, or experienced.
“A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.” Proverb 14:5 Also: Exodus 23:1.
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.” Proverbs 19:5
“A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.” Proverbs 21:28

ALWAYS be honest.
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:9
“Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.” Psalm 31:18
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;” Ephesians 4:22-23
“Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.” Psalm 120:2

We can lie about anything, including being right with God.
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” I John 1:6
“I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” I John 2:21
“Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” Revelation 3:9

Because of the rejection of God’s will and way, our world has become one of dishonesty, distrust, misdirection, and deceit. It is a tolerated sin among politicians, police, and most people. It should not be.

Dishonesty separates many and breeds mistrust. This must stop for a society to be healed and to get along with each other. Start today, especially if you are a born-again child of God. Always tell the truth!

“There is beauty in truth, even if it’s painful. Those who lie, twist life so that it looks tasty to the lazy, brilliant to the ignorant, and powerful to the weak. But lies only strengthen our defects. They don’t teach anything, help anything, fix anything or cure anything. Nor do they develop one’s character, one’s mind, one’s heart or one’s soul.” ― José N. Harris

The BIBLE VIEW #1040 — Difficulties

In This Issue:
Good From “Bad”
The Canvas God Is Painting

Volume: 1040 March 16, 2026
Theme: Difficulties

Good From “Bad”
Bill Brinkworth

What a world this would be if bad things never happened. Since sin entered in, however, all will experience many difficulties during their life.

Many think that hard things should not happen to good people or Christians, but they do! Just because a person is born into the family of God does not mean they will be exempt from the consequences of natural disasters, disease, aging, others’ actions, and death.

Being saved from Hell does not magically put a force field around a person. Yes, God does protect us many times, but it still rains on the “just and the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45). Calamities and hard times will happen to everyone.

God could certainly protect us from all misfortunes, but our trials and tribulations often do much to strengthen us and get us closer to Him. It is during the hard times that we should grow closer to God and trust Him to carry us through them. It is also during those times that our faith can grow, as we see his mighty hand of deliverance.

Many wonderful things have happened because of the “bad” times. Here are some “bad” events that happened to godly people in the Bible, and how God used those events to bring honor to Himself, to bless those going through the dilemma, and to bless others:

Noah. If Noah had not obeyed God and spent many years building the Ark, humanity would not have had a second chance.
Abraham. If Abraham had not come to the point that he chose God over everything else, including his son’s life, he may not have had God’s blessings on him and his generations.
Joseph: If Joseph’s jealous brothers had not thrown him in the pit and sold him into slavery, he never would have been second-in-command to the pharaoh and been able to help his family during a time of drought and starvation.
Children of Israel: If they had never been in hard bondage, they may have accepted their plight and never turned to God for deliverance. Think of all the mighty miracles they saw when He answered their prayers.
Moses: If he had never kept his father-in-law’s, Jethro’s, sheep and suffered loneliness in the wilderness, he would never have been in the place to see the burning bush and be called to be God’s people’s leader.
Moses: If the angry Egyptian pharaoh had not pursued the people of Israel, they never would have seen the Red Sea part, would not have seen their enemy destroyed, and would not have known that God would guide them.
Ruth: If Ruth had not been faithful to her mother-in-law and worked to support her, she never would have met the man she was to marry.
Hannah: If she had never gone to the temple to pray with a broken heart because of her barrenness and made a vow to God to dedicate the child to Him, she may never had been the mother of Samuel and given Israel a godly leader.
Elijah: If Elijah had never stood faithful to God when it was not popular, Israel may have indulged longer in the idolatry of Baalism.
Nehemiah: If Nehemiah did not love God and weep for Jerusalem, Jerusalem would never have been rebuilt.
Job: If Satan had never tested Job, the man of God never would have had twice as much wealth and belongings as he had had originally (Job 42:12-13).
David: If David had not had hard times and heartbreaks, he never would have helped write much of the book of Psalms, which has encouraged and blessed billions of people.
Daniel: If Daniel had never been a captive of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, he never would have been able to interpret the king’s dream and spare the lives of the other wisemen (Daniel 2) or be the leader he was.
Paul: If Paul had not shipwrecked on Malta, the island’s ruler’s father would never have been healed of his fever.
Jesus: If Jesus was never mocked, persecuted, whipped, beaten, lied about, and eventually died on the tormenting cross, we would never escape a punishment in Hell.

Sometimes hard times do come to people to turn them in a godly direction, or stop them from doing more damage to themselves or others. The difficult tribulations can get them closer to God, so they can see his mighty hand in helping them. Other times, the trials can be to change a situation to the way God has planned.

Some people spend their whole life mad and blaming God for the death of a loved one or for a trial they went through. Do they possibly think that their loved ones would miss death, or that they will have a perfectly sheltered life because they are so “good”?

Hard times will and do come to everyone. No one is exempt. Those times are either a time to foolishly shake your fist at God (which can only make matters worse) when you need Him the most, or to draw close to Him and see His mighty hand produce “good” from what seemed “bad”.

Why should bad things not happen to us? Are we more special than even God’s only Son, who also went through hard times? God has a plan for all that happens in our lives, even though its purpose may be cloudy when we are going through it.

When going through a “valley”, it is the time to call for the God of the mountain. He sees what we are facing and is willing to guide us through the hard times. It is during those difficult times that we should get close to Him and seek His help.

“I have never met a strong Christian who had not faced many trials and tribulations! Those difficulties made them the person they are now.”

The Canvas God Is Painting
Caitlin Hockenburry

When you feel you are all alone
With nowhere else to go
What is going on, you don’t know
But life is changing.
This side of Heaven’s shore
We don’t know what’s in store.
We feel we cannot go on anymore
Without fainting.