The BIBLE VIEW #886 — Friends

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

Volume: 886     November 28, 2022
Theme: Friends

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Friends
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

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

Friendly giving!  True friendship is given and not bought.  You cannot buy true friendship.

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

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

False friends are like vermin that abandon a sinking vessel or like the swallows that depart at the approach of winter.
True friends are like ivy that adheres to the tree in its decay.  They are also like the light of phosphorus: brightest in the dark.”  — Unknown


Dear Liberal Friend
Bill Brinkworth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clearly, the Bible tells us to talk to others about Christ so they can be saved and have the promise of Heaven.  Proverbs 11:30 says you are wise if you do this.

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

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

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

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

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

Sadly, I think it is time to part as friends.  No, I don’t believe myself “holier than thou.”  I know what I was and can fall back into my old ways.  I am concerned that your disobedience may rub off on me.  Association with your unchristian lifestyle will also hurt my Christian testimony.  I desire to be more like Christ and have that reputation, so our fellowship will have to stop until your lifestyle becomes more Christ-like.

Regretfully,
Bill

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

Friendly Advice
Bill Brinkworth

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

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


A Friend
Author Unknown

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

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

The Unfailing Friend
Author Unknown

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

Other friends may misunderstand us.  Jesus never. 

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

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

The Bible View #828 — Do Right

In This Issue:
As For Me, I Will…
Make Up Your Mind

Volume: 828    September 20, 2021
Theme: Do Right

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As For Me, I Will…
Committing to the Lord can be difficult and should involve conviction-led decisions.  A Christian must make up his mind if, when, and how he will obey what he has seen or learned of the Word of God truths.  

Many men and women of the past and present have had the tugging of the Holy Spirit encouraging them to obey God’s commandments, and they did.  Their convictions and determinations to do what God spoke to their hearts to do should be models for Christians.  Here are some decisions of many Bible characters and what they were convicted to do.

Joshua decided that no matter what those around him were doing, he would serve the Lord.
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

No matter what others did, Samuel was determined not to sin.
“And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD;… 23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you:…” I Samuel 12:20-23

David was determined to build a great work for the Lord.  Although God would not allow him to build the temple because of his past deeds, David provided all the necessary items for its construction and operation. He did what he could.
“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: 8 But the word of the LORD came to me, saying … thou shalt not build an house unto my name…”  I Chronicles 22:7-10  Also: I Chronicles 28:2, 29:17.

Job was determined not to be a complainer.
As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?” Job 21:4

David determined to rely on God’s protection and honor God.
As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.” Psalm 55:16  Also: Psalm 17:8-15.

David was determined to be obedient to God.  One of God’s commandments was for all to attend the temple services and to worship God, and he did.
“But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.” Psalm 5:7

David was determined to abide by the standards God had shown him to uphold.
“… 11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.” Psalm 26:9-11

David was determined to humble himself before his enemies and not to return evilness to other’s wickedness.
“… they laid to my charge things that I knew not. 12 They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul. 13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.” Psalm 35:11-13

David was determined to have a consistent prayer life.
“But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time…” Psalm 69:13

Jeremiah was determined not to quit the task God called him to do.
“As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee.” Jeremiah 17:16

Jeremiah was determined to tell others what God wanted them to know, even if it cost him his life.
“Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard. 13 Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God… 14 As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you. 15 But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death …” Jeremiah 26:12-15

Daniel was determined not to be selfish with the wisdom God had given him.  He made sure he shared it with those that would be helped by God’s truths.
“But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.” Daniel 2:30


Being born-again into the family of God by salvation is only the beginning.  After one is saved (Romans 10:9), God must and will do much “house cleaning” in a person’s character, if He is allowed.

A Christian is to be Christ-like and to be like Him the new creature in Christ should find himself a changed person.  Worldly thoughts and behaviors often are swept from a believer’s life, and different desires and behaviors will be proof of the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives.
“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

Christian, has the convicting Holy Spirit urged you to make changes in your lifestyle and character? Heed His prompting to make even the “little” changes in your personality, and how you react to situations you will face. 

As for you, what will you do with God’s Words?  Determine to do what He has shown you to do.  If you do, you will discover yourself to be the new creature God desires you to be.

“Always do right.  This will gratify some people and astonish the others.
— Mark Twain


Make Up Your Mind
Bill Brinkworth

Before Joshua’s death, Israel’s leader gathered his people together. He reminded them of all the mighty things God had done for them and their fathers. Joshua rehearsed how God took, gave, sent, plagued, brought, put, destroyed, and delivered for them in over 17 instances (Joshua 24:3-13).

In the remembrances of the great helps God had done for Israel, the leader also reminded them of their failures. He told them how they continued to backslide from God and repeatedly had to be rescued from the consequences of their poor choices. Many of God’s deliverances were because the people had not learned their lesson and still were of two opinions.

Sometimes they served God, and other times they served the losing side and its false gods. Trying to live for God was a constant struggle for them. Their minds were not entirely made up, or they would not have repeatedly made the same mistakes.

No matter the loyalty of Israel to God, it was not a hard decision for Joshua. His mind was already made up. A long time previously, he had decided who His God was and that he would be faithful in obedience. It was no longer a struggle for him whom he would serve when he said: “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. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:14-15

Israel’s leader used interesting words in describing many of the people’s desire not to serve God. He used, “… if it seem evil”. This indicates that some people thought that serving their Creator and Protector was physically, socially, or morally bad for them. This thinking is not unlike the thoughts today of many. Too many think serving God and obeying his commandments are unprofitable to them because:

  • They will miss all the fun if they follow God’s commands. Sin is only “fun” for a short time. Sin never gives true joy, only temporary satisfaction.
    “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;” Hebrews 11:25 
  • They do not know that there is a price tag for sin. No one gets away with sin. Sin always does damage and only gives short-lived satisfaction (Hebrews 11:25).
    “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverb 28:13  Also: Romans 6:23.
  • His way is not the world’s way. By following His way, they will appear strange and different tos others. They will not fit in.

    Yes, God’s way is different. Yes, you will not “fit in” if you are obedient to God, but why do you want to be like the losing side? God’s way is always better. He has raised trillions of children, and His ways are the best.
    “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9
  • They only see the now and forget the eternal. There is life after death. There is an eternity in either Heaven or Hell. What sense is there in missing Heaven for temporal satisfaction in a relatively short time here on Earth? 
    “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36


The world’s excuses for not serving God have always been the same. The reasons come from a similar rebellious and disobedient heart. No matter the time, the answer to God can be the same as Joshua’s, “… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15) No matter what others think or do, we can always be different and do right!

Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it.” William Penn

The Bible View #758

Articles in this Bible View: “He Looked Away and Now He’s Drowning!” “Blow on the Embers,” “Lost Fellowship,” …
Theme: Spiritual Weakness

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