Word of God | THE BIBLE VIEW

The BIBLE VIEW #929 — Modern Bibles

In This Issue:
The Attack to Change God’s Word
False Statements about Modern Bible Translations and Versions
Can’t Silence Conviction

Volume: 929 October 23, 2023
Theme: Modern Bibles

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The Attack to Change God’s Word
Bill Brinkworth

“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” II Corinthians 2:17

The most important possession anyone can ever have is God’s Word — the Bible. His Word will save a person’s soul from Hell, help one live a successful and fruitful life, protect one from sin’s damage, and help one get eternal rewards. Because of its great importance, unfortunately, great efforts have been made to keep man from its truths and to change it. None of the interferences have been from God!

In the Garden of Eden, the woman God created was first tempted to question and doubt God’s Word. It was Satan, using the serpent, who attempted to confuse Eve with what God had said. She fell for his trickery and allowed sin to enter the human race by disobeying God’s commandments.
“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? Gen. 3:1
Satan’s tool of tempting others to question and disobey God’s commandments continued throughout the Bible. The enemy of God and His people was most likely behind much of Israel and its leaders’ sins of disobedience. Satan certainly was behind King David’s defiance of God’s commandments to him.
“And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.” I Chron. 21:1
Early churches faced deceitful corruption of God’s truths and Jesus’ teachings. Some false preachers claimed to have seen Christ and other “ministers” of God’s work deceived their flocks.
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” II Cor. 11:13
“Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:” Acts 15:24
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:” II Pet. 2:1-2
Many tempted God’s people with their words rather than God’s.
“Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” Gal. 1:7 The perversion of the Gospel is continuing in many of today’s churches.
“And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.” Col. 2:4
Most that taught false doctrines and not what God’s Word says did it for their benefit and motives. Many false teachings continue today for the same reasons.
“For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Rom. 16:18
“For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.” Tit 1:10-11 Often these “deceivers” are “religious” (the circumcision).
“Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:” Philip. 1:15

The main reason for all new “bible” perversions is to make money! That is why each version varies from another, so it can be declared different and abide by copyright laws. The KJV can be duplicated without paying royalties, whereas most modern “bible” owners are paid royalties when their revision is reprinted or even quoted, in some instances.

In man’s last days, there will be an increase in the corrupting of God’s commandments. That occurs in ALL modern “bible” translations and versions.”
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” I Tim 4:1-2

A spiritual battle rages (Eph. 6:12) to turn many from obeying God’s Word. His Word is still being changed and hidden in all the new “bibles.”

With all the deception continuing today, how can one protect himself from those false teachings? Following God’s Word is the only protection from being a casualty in today’s spiritual war. It is preserved in the King James Bible for English-speaking people (the same Hebrew and Greek of the KJV is also preserved in Bibles in other major languages).

“Try” or test what is said about God, Jesus, or His Word to see if it aligns with God’s ruler — the Bible. If it does not line up, it is not the truth. It is a lie, and it is not of God!

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” I John 4:1

“People and organizations that declare to be of God are not always what they claim! Do not be deceived. Read and study your Bible to discern what is truly of God!” — Author Unknown

False Statements about Modern Bible Translations and Versions
Bill Brinkworth

“And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:19

Much is said to sell new “bible” versions and their changed doctrines. However, much of what is said to convince readers to adopt their version of God’s Word is untrue. Here is a brief examination of incorrect statements said about the modern “bibles”:

“They make the Bible easier to understand.” Much of the King James Bible is at a 5.8 grade reading level (1) (Flesh-Kincaid Grade level indicator). The New International Version is at 8.4 grade level, New King James is at 6.9, and the New American Standard Bible is at 8.12. Besides that, it is the Holy Spirit that allows anyone to know God’s Word, not man’s editing (I Cor. 2:14)!

Another motive is also behind “making the ‘bible’ easier to understand.” That motive is to make money. If there are numerous changes, it can copyrighted, and its owner can earn money from its sales, as it is a new and different book. The King James Bible is not copyrighted, so no one makes any royalties from its sale!

“They come from the originals” or “originate from more reliable manuscripts.” The originals were never assembled in one place together. What some call more “reliable” manuscripts were the ones that earlier believers rejected because of their corruption, errors, and were seldom used. That is one reason some of the older manuscripts were in good condition.
“They change ‘archaic’ words.” They do, but in many places the words replacing them change the meaning of the verse. There are less than 20 words, not including verbs with “eth” added to them, in the KJV that are not commonly used today. It would make more sense to understand their meaning by using a dictionary rather than changing the Bible. Many modern books have words that the reader often has to look up in the dictionary, and no one even thinks of rewriting them to make them easier to understand.
“Scholars now know more than they knew then.” Many of the authors and translators of the new versions did not even know Hebrew or Greek, nor were they experts in over 10+ ancient languages, as were many on the 1611 King James translating committee. The translators of the King James were some of the most outstanding scholars and Christians of all time.
“They come from older manuscripts.” The Masoretic Hebrew Text and the Greek Textus Receptus used in the KJV are older and more reliable manuscripts, not what is used in most modern versions. Some of what are called the “older texts” are not reliable at all. Historically, they were avoided because of their known mistakes and alterations. Also, some “most ancient manuscripts” are over 100 years newer than those used in the KJV.
“They are correcting errors.” There are no known errors in the King James Bible! Most of what people call errors are intellectual or spiritual problems people had with what God said and recorded. Changing His words may have eased their consciences, but it does not make it God’s Word, will, and way. If the new “bible” versions are correcting “errors,” why are all 300+ versions different from each other? Don’t they have it right yet? Why are they still changing them?

Several years ago, a website offered a large sum of money to anyone who could find an error in the KJV. As far as I know, no one has ever found an error and has never collected a cent from the site!
“The new versions are more reliable.” Most versions are written to teach the beliefs of the author(s), religion, or organization that produced the work. Scripture that was contrary to their beliefs was removed or changed. Also, the King James translators were honest enough that if they added words to make the context understood or to show what the Hebrew or Greek meant, they italicized the words. Most modern versions remove the italicized words or do not italicize them.
“It is egotistical to think that only the King James in English is preserved.” There is a text that comes from the Masoretic Text and Textus Receptus for all the major languages, including English, Greek, Hebrew, French, and Spanish. Most of the major languages also have the preserved Word of God available to them.

Stick with the King James Bible! It is the reliable, preserved Word of God!

** The King James Bible has 783,137 words, whereas the New International Bible has only 727,969. **
1 Riplinger, G. A. New Age Bible Versions, Ararat, VA, 1995

“I notice if a man goes to cut up the Bible and comes to you with one truth and says, ‘I don’t believe this, and I don’t believe that,’ and doubts portions of the Word of God, he soon doubts it all.” — D. L. Moody

Can’t Silence Conviction
Author Unknown

A child was in the habit of going to room where there was a store of apples. She occasionally went to steal apples but encountered something that greatly troubled her.

There happened to be in that storeroom an old oil painting. It had a large face with eyes that appeared to be following her and a voice that seemed to say to her as she stole apples, “I see you. It is very naughty. I’ll tell on you. You are sure to be found out.”

That picture annoyed the little girl and she was determined to stop the convicting portrait. She got a small knife and struck the eyes out.

Two large holes remained in place of the eyes, and she never could look at them without thinking of what she had done and what they used to “say” to her. She had put out the eyes, but she had not, nor could she, get rid of her reminding conscience.

The same conviction of one’s sin is experienced after reading the real Word of God. One may find a modern “bible” translation that changes wording so one’s sin is no longer mentioned, but it is still remembered what the real Word of God said about one’s iniquity.

“God’s Word is meant to change the sinner, not for the sinner to change His Word to ease their conscience.”

The BIBLE VIEW #907 — Obedience

In This Issue:
Be Obedient While You Have the Opportunity
Is He Really Your Lord?
A Benefit and Privilege
Don’t Question Orders

Volume: 907 May 15, 2023
Theme: Obedience

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Be Obedient While You Have the OpportunityBill Brinkworth

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1

Although Proverbs 27 is chock-full of life-directing wisdom, verse one should remind each one of us that our time on this Earth is not forever. Our life could change drastically or end before the sun sets today. No one knows how much time they have left. No one has the promise of tomorrow!

While we have the time, do not procrastinate. Do not put off:

Being saved. Although many put off being born again (John 3:3), they may not have tomorrow to do so. One’s opportunity to have God’s promise of an eternity with Him may soon be ended. Each time salvation is put off, one’s heart hardens and becomes more defiant to God’s calling.

One may have another day, but after having ignored the pleas of the Holy Spirit so often, the Spirit may no longer speak to one about securing their eternity (Romans 10:9) in Heaven. Each time one says “No” to the Spirit of God’s prodding and His commandments, one’s sensitivity to God’s calling is lessened.
“Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7“
And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” Acts 24:24-25
Halting the sin(s) you have been convicted of doing. When a person is saved, the Holy Spirit convicts one of sin(s) that is/are prohibiting one’s spiritual growth. Putting off iniquity one was made aware of should be dealt with immediately. What if the rapture (I Thes. 4:16-18) or death takes one home before a “convenient time” to obey the Lord occurs? It would be too late. Obey the Lord now while there still is an opportunity.
Doing what the Lord laid on your heart to do. Has the Lord urged you to rebuild a broken relationship, get involved in a ministry, read your Bible, be faithful in church, make your testimony more godly, or something else? Do it now, as again, you may not have another chance to do so.
Being the Christian, spouse, parent, or child, God would have you be. You may never have another opportunity if you put it off any longer.

Most of us have had many days. We assume we will have more time, but we may not. This may be the last reminder one may have to obey what God has laid on their heart to do. Do it now, as no one knows how much more time they have left.

Is He Really Your Lord?
Bill Brinkworth

Often in prayers or conversations, God is called “Lord.” “I love you, Lord,” “Lord, we need your intervention in helping us out of this mess,” and “Lord, I’ll do whatever you show me to do” are often uttered. If, however, the situation is followed up on and the reactions observed of the one who requested of God, it may be wondered if God is really one’s “Lord.”

The title “Lord” implies that another is one’s master and is a supreme being, an absolute authority, and one’s ruler. If it is true that “Lord” has a Saxon definition meaning “sole bread giver,” then it also implies that the user of the address “Lord” is relying on God for all their provisions and needs. When God is addressed as Lord, is He really all that title implies?

If God truly is one’s Lord, one would do what God has told them to do. God would not have to speak to our hearts multiple times about reading His Word faithfully, halting the sin He convicted us of doing, changing a practice in our life, or doing anything His Spirit whispered to our hearts about doing. Total obedience would be given to God if He indeed were our Lord. “LORD, it’s not open to discussion. You show me, and I will do it!”
“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46

If God truly is Lord of your life, He should receive your total respect and honor. One obeying the Lord should never dispute, question, or refuse to do the bidding of one’s Master.
“A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? 7 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. 8 And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 1:6-8

If God is truly your Lord, then there should be proof. You should notice how you have forsaken your will and way for His. Even those around you should see your priority in obeying God’s will!
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
“(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” Romans 2:13
“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciple.” John 15:8

Calling God Lord, does not necessarily make Him one’s Lord. If we make God our Lord, it will be shown by our obedience and respect for Him.

Is His Lordship in your life clearly exhibited in the way you live? Is God truly your LORD?

“To live for self or God is the question we all face. How one’s life turns out depends on how the question was answered!” — Author Unknown

A Benefit and Privilege
Watson, 1696

God commands nothing from us that is not beneficial.”
“That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.” Deut. 6:2
God has His reasons for telling us to do something. We should not question why.
He bids us to repent. Why? That our sins may be blotted out.
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Acts 3:19
He commands us to believe, and why? That we may be saved.
“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31
There is love in every one of God’s commandments!

“True obedience hath no lead at its heels!” — Adams, 1653

Don’t Question Orders
Spurgeon

“Sir,” said the Duke of Wellington to an officer of engineers who argued the impossibility of executing the directions he had received, “I did not ask your opinion, I gave you my orders, and I expect them to be obeyed.”

Such should be the obedience of every follower of Jesus. The Words, which He has spoken and had recorded, are our law! Our adherence to them should not be based on our judgments or fancies. We are to do our Master’s bidding and advance through flood or flame. We are to do as He tells us to do!

“Don’t pray to give God instructions. Just report for duty!”

The BIBLE VIEW #903 — God’s Words

In This Issue:
One Reason for Reading the Bible
They Can’t Understand
A Form of Godliness

Volume: 903 April 10, 2023
Theme: God’s Words

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One Reason for Reading the Bible
Bill Brinkworth

The compiled Word of God, the Bible, has many purposes. It tells man the mind of God, what He likes and disapproves of, how to live, how to die, how to be successful, why one fails, and many other essential life lessons.

There is another purpose for spending time in God’s preserved Word. That reason is so man can learn from examples of those in the past. A wise man should not want to repeat the errors of others. Reading and learning from others’ mistakes is one of the reasons God allows us to have His preserved Book.
“Now these things were our examples …” I Corinthians 10: 6
“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples and they are written for our admonition…” I Cor. 10:11

Although the vehicle of temptation, sin, and trials have changed appearance and may not look like they did 6,000 years ago, basically, they are the same. Mankind may no longer be tempted to have a chariot like his Roman neighbors, but today he is enticed to lust after a car just like his neighbor’s. Seldom does a man lust after watching a woman bathing on a rooftop, as did King David, but desire still rages through pornography on the internet. A person may not spend time worshipping a silver idol, but many still put more value on material things than the things of God. Fewer gossip at the city market as was done in the past, but more talk about others quite a bit on the phone or e-mail.

Mankind has not changed, and because he is basically the same, we can learn about how problems were dealt with in the past, what their consequences were, and how one can face hardships. God’s wisdom is preserved for us in God’s Word.

A wise person learns from others’ mistakes. One should follow advice and wisdom that has worked in the past. The Bible contains much of man’s knowledge and, most importantly, God’s leadership on how to get through life.

God went through a lot of trouble to ensure we have every word He wants us to have so we can have a successful life. Are you wise, and are you reading God’s example book?

“Wisdom is applied knowledge.”

They Can’t Understand
Bill Brinkworth

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” I Corinthians 2:14

Many people try to understand the things of God, but they never truly grasp His truths, nor do they seem real to them. They may have studied the Scriptures, memorized them, and appeared knowledgeable about biblical facts. However, there still seems to be a veil that does not allow them to see and understand the truths from the Word of God.

Preaching also may be entertaining and even interesting to them. Still, the truths spoken to them from the pulpit never get into their hearts and change anything. Many even feel church attendance is meaningless, so they seldom attend.

It is often not the preacher’s fault that they “get nothing from the service” or “do not feel convicted.” This verse in I Corinthians 2 puts the finger on who some of them are and why a spiritual connection is missing in their lives.

Many are not grasping biblical truths or are not Spirit-led because they are “natural” men and women. They are either not born-again and cannot have a relationship with the Lord until they are saved or may be saved and are so worldly-minded that they could not hear the convicting Spirit of God if He blew an air horn in their left ear. A “natural” man is just how they were born, without any spiritual alterations, illuminations, and connections.

No one can understand the things of God unless the Holy Spirit shows them to him (I Cor. 2:11). A person can have a head-knowledge of biblical and spiritual things. Still, unless the Holy Spirit is involved, there will never be a connection to what the brain knows and what a person’s spiritual “heart” believes.

Educated preachers have been in left field regarding understanding God’s things because they were under their own power of understanding and not the Holy Spirit’s. Education alone does not make the “connection.”

Preaching and the things of God are not appreciated and are meaningless to a “natural” man. However, the preaching of the Word of God is important to a saved man. The exhortation of God’s Word and its teaching are spiritual food to a spiritual person. It encourages, guides, and strengthens a child of God. To him, it is foolish not to be at church where God’s Word is taught.

“If you want to hear from the Father, you must speak the same language.”
— Barbara Brinkworth

A Form of Godliness
Bill Brinkworth

Paul warns us that sin will be rampant in the church’s last days. He lists 19 different sins churches during the end times will be guilty of in II Timothy 3. Many of those iniquities have always been committed by individuals throughout history.

In the last days, however, the commission of those sins will change civilization, and they will be committed without guilt or restraint. Although no man knows exactly when the Lord will return for His church, one has to admit that the prominence and rampant involvement of the sins listed in this chapter describe today’s spiritual condition too well.

One particular sin has done so much damage to the cause of Christ and Christian living. It may look Christian. It may use religious and Christian vocabulary. Perhaps it may even involve many doing biblically correct things, but this sin is very deceptive and dangerous. It is watered-down, liberal Christianity. It is a “… form of godliness, but denying the power thereof …” (I Tim. 3:5 5), and it is doing much damage in the world today.

Most want to please God and believe He is real sometime in their life. Many look for Him in a church. They go there, but instead of hearing the true Word of God preached and practiced, they only hear partial truths and a lot of humanistic, unbiblical teaching.

Because so many do not search and study the Scriptures themselves, they soak up and believe lies. Sadly, so many will die and open their eyes in a dark, tormenting Hell only to discover that they were led astray by false teachers, preachers, and lies. That is why Paul said to avoid any church or ministry that does not align with what the Word of God teaches (II Tim. 3:5).

However, as dangerous as it is, unless people find the truth in the Word of God for themselves, they will never see the lies they may have been exposed to. To make matters worse, even the Word of God has been tampered with by those that are deceiving those searching for the truth.

Words have been added to modernized “bibles,” and words have been removed or changed. Even if they pick up a newer translation (any other than the KJV version for English-speaking people), they are still only getting a “… form of godliness.”

Seminaries that once trained leaders of churches sthat did much for the cause of Christ have strayed far from biblical teachings and practices. Denominations have replaced the Word of God with their writings or modified a “bible” to teach their beliefs.

Many churches have embraced all religions into their fellowship and called themselves non-denominational or have gotten far from where they spiritually stood years ago. Some organizations have cropped up discarding biblical references and created their own philosophies and religion.

As the time approaches for the Lord’s return, finding churches that teach the truth is getting more difficult. However, we cannot blame them alone for their errors. Most of the time, they have been allowed to stray from biblical teachings because there were none or few that even knew the truths the Bible teaches. That is why it is essential, as II Timothy 2:15 says, to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” If more would delve into the Scriptures for themselves, fewer watered-down, unbiblical teachings from pulpits would go unchallenged.

“A little arsenic in a glass of drinking water will poison the drinker. Just a few altered words in the ‘bible’ will poison one’s mind about the things of God.”
— Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #874 — Doers of His Word

In This Issue:
Spiritual Gluttony
Forgotten Treasure
God’s Commandments Are Not a Burden
The Hedge on the Way to the Mansion
The Natural Man

Volume: 874 September 5, 2022
Theme: Doers of His Word

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Spiritual Gluttony
Bill Brinkworth

Many have heard scriptural teaching again and again. From the pulpit, they have heard what God wants them to do. From television, radio, and biblical-based articles, they have also heard what God’s will and way is. Christian acquaintances and family members may also have voiced biblical principles. All the biblical input has fattened their head-knowledge of spiritual and biblical things, but they have not reacted or moved on what they have learned. They are hearers of God’s Word but are not doers of His commandments (James 1:22-25).

Through preaching, they have heard a clear message on what the Bible says one must do to be saved, yet they have not trusted Christ alone as their way to Heaven. They have heard how God expects every child of God to tell others how to be saved. Yet, many have not even tried to tell others how to be born again.

A sermon showed them how it is stealing from God not to tithe (Malachi 3:8-10). They nodded in agreement with the preacher on that matter, yet they still have never faithfully given to the local church part of what they earned that week.

A radio message convicted them deeply of a sin they were involved in, and their guilt over the sin’s commission has bothered them. However, they still have not made one attempt to curb their iniquity. On and on the list could go of truths that have been heard from the Word of God.

Admittedly, most know what God wants them to do and what He does not want them to do. Yet, all that knowledge lies in their brain, unused and unapplied.

Many are appalled at those that have gained enormous amounts of weight. They shake their head as television interviews reveal people that weigh 500 pounds or more. They diagnose the eater’s problem quickly; the overweight person eats more calories than he is burning in exercise or daily living. They see how dangerous it is for the heavy one to sit all day in front of the television consuming bags of chips and other junk foods. Yet, they do not see the parallel between one who eats more than he uses and their spiritual fatness of absorbing the things of God and utilizing very little of what they have absorbed.

Spiritually, they have become obese, yet they do not see their unhealthy spiritual condition. They hear preaching, read their Bible, go to church often, and even listen to Christian radio and television regularly.

I have heard many “obese” Christians wax eloquent. They boasted of how many years they had attended church or how much Scripture they knew. I have often felt dumb after hearing them demonstrate their head knowledge of the scriptures. They are quite knowledgeable. However, that feeling goes away when I hear their testimony of never having witnessed to one soul, never having done anything for the Lord but sit and soak, or never having shown any signs of spiritual growth in their lives.

What are you doing with the things of God you have heard? God did not allow you to learn His ways to appear smart about the things of God or to inflate your pride. He allowed you to hear His message so that you would do for Him what He desires. Are you doing what God has shown you to do? Are you burning spiritual calories?

Scriptures related to this subject: James 1:22-25, Matthew 7:21, Luke 6:46, Luke 11:28, Luke 12:48, Romans 2:13, I John 3:7.

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:22-25

Forgotten Treasure
Dr. Edmond

A man once entered a home in Germany and found it very wretched — no fire, no furniture, no food. Everything bore the appearance of utter poverty. Glancing around, he saw a copy of the Bible in a neglected corner and when he went away, he said to the poor tenants, “There is a treasure in this house that would make you all rich.”

After he had gone, the people searched the house for what they thought must be a jewel or a pot of gold but found nothing. They dug up the floor, hoping to discover the hidden store of wealth. Their labors were all in vain. One day, the mother lifted the old Bible and found written on the flyleaf these words, “The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.” (Ps. 119:72)

“Ah!” she said, “can this be the treasure the stranger spoke of?” So, she told her thoughts to the rest of the family. They began to read the Bible and were changed in character, and the blessings of God came to stay with them.

The stranger returned to find poverty gone, contentment and peace in its place, and a hearty Christian welcome. With grateful joy, the family told him, “We found the treasure, and it has done all you said it would.”

God’s Commandments Are Not a Burden
T. Watson

Cicero questioned what can be called a burden if one carries it with delight and pleasure. If a man takes a bag of money, it is heavy, but the joy in his treasure far outweighs any burden it may cause.

God gives inward joy that makes His commandments delightful. That joy is like oil to wheels that makes a Christian run in the way of God’s commandments so that it is not burdensome.

“Obedience is the way to experience God’s greatest blessing.”

The Hedge on the Way to the Mansion
Dr. J. Hamilton

Reconciliation to God is like entering the gate onto a beautiful road, which takes one to a splendid mansion. The avenue is long, and sometimes it skirts the edge of dangerous cliffs. There is a fence of hedges to save the traveler from falling over their edges, where he would be dashed to pieces.

That “hedge” in our lives is God’s commandments. They were given so that we may do ourselves no harm. Like a fence of briars, they protect the one traveling the road if he keeps to the route. They only hurt him when he breaks through the hedge.

Temperance, justice, truthfulness, purity of speech and behavior, obedience to parents, mutual affection, and the worship of God are righteous requirements. When keeping them, there is a great reward. Life’s possible “thorns also do no damage.” Happy is he who stays on the “road” and never feels the pricks of the hedges by breaking God’s commandments.

“A child on a rocking horse is much like many Christians. They have plenty of motion, but no progress.”

The Natural Man
Bill Brinkworth

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” I Corinthians 2:14

Many people try to understand the things of God, but they never truly grasp their truths, nor do they seem real to them. They may have studied the scriptures, memorized them, and appeared knowledgeable about biblical facts. However, there still seems to be a missing connection that does not allow them to grasp the truths from the Word of God.

Preaching also may be entertaining and even interesting to them. Still, the truths spoken to them from the pulpit never make it to their spiritual heart and change anything. Many even feel church attendance is meaningless, which is why they seldom attend.

It is often not the preacher’s fault that they “get nothing from the service” or “do not feel convicted.” I Corinthians 2:14 puts the finger on who some of them are and why a spiritual connection is missing in their lives.

The reason that they are not grasping biblical truths or are not Spirit-led is that they are “natural” men and women. They are either not born-again and cannot have a relationship with the Lord until they are saved, or they may be so worldly minded that they could not hear the convicting Spirit of God if He blew an air horn in their ear. A “natural” man is one that is just the way they were born, without any spiritual alterations, illuminations, and connections.

No one can understand the things of God unless the Holy Spirit shows them (I Corinthians 2:11). A person can have head-knowledge of biblical and spiritual things. However, unless the Holy Spirit is involved, there will never be a connection between what the brain knows and what the spiritual “heart” believes.

Well-educated preachers have often been in left field regarding understanding God’s desires because they were under their power of understanding and not the Holy Spirit’s. Education alone does not make the “connection.”

Preaching and the things of God are not appreciated and are meaningless to a “natural” man. However, preaching God’s Word is essential to a saved person. The exhortation of God’s Word and its teaching are spiritual food to a believer. It encourages, guides, and strengthens a child of God. To that person, it is foolish not to be at church, where God’s Word is taught.

The BIBLE VIEW #863 — God’s Promises

In This Issue:
You Can Trust Him
Promises about Salvation
Promises about Forgiveness
Promises of Courage
Promises about Fear
Promises of Help in Time of Trouble
Promises for The Lonely
Promises and Commandments for Marriage

Volume: 863 June 20, 2022
Theme: God’s Promises

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Three FREE forms of the Bible View weekly newsletter are available to reach more with sound, biblical doctrine. They are the ministry version, suitable for church bulletin inserts or handouts, the e-mail version, and LARGE PRINT editions. They are available at: http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html.

You Can Trust Him
Bill Brinkworth

“Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability [unchangeable] of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18 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: 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;” Hebrews 6:17

Unlike sinful man, God cannot lie. What He has preserved in His Word, the Bible, was true when it was penned, and it can be relied upon today with no reservations.

Truth about most matters is difficult to find. News medias too often air only part of the facts they want listeners or readers to believe. Many politicians state only what they want the public to know. Others often make statements without knowing or communicating the other side of the argument or story. Opinions are often touted as facts when they are not!

Absolute truth is hard to find. However, our Creator knows all sides of situations, loves us, and wants us to have the truth. Authenticity, realism, exactness, and accuracy of situations and experiences are so important to Him that He has preserved truths for all to know. What he has saved for us between the pages of our Bible can be relied upon. If God said it, we can believe it. God will not lie!

“If God said it, you must believe it!”

Promises about Salvation
“That whosoever believeth in him [Jesus] should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:15-16

“3 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… 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” John 3:3-7

“For he hath made him [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” II Corinthians 5:21

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

“We are saved by someone doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves.”
— Lester

Promises about Forgiveness
“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

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” Luke 6:35-37 Also: Matthew 5:44.

“The habit of judging and condemning others is usually a great deal more serious blemish than are the things we so glibly point out as flaws or faults.” — Author Unknown

Promises of Courage
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14 Also: Psalm 31:24.

“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:12-13

“Have courage for the great sorrows of life, and patience for the smaller ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake. — Victor Hugo

Promises about Fear
“For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.” Psalm 37:28

“And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” Mark 4:40

“For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13

“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverb 1:33

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” I Peter 3:12

Promises of Help in Time of Trouble
“But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.” Psalm 37:39

“The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” Nahum 1:7

“Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.” Psalm 32:7

“Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.” Psalm 37:24

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” Psalm 73:26 Also: Psalm 73:26.

“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. 3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Psalm 18:2-3 Also: Psalm 18:2-3, 28:7.

“Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things.”
— Beecher

Promises for The Lonely
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:18

“Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;” Isaiah 58:9

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” II Corinthians 6:17-18

“But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.” Psalm 40:17

Promises and Commandments for Marriage
“Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 9:9

“Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.” I Corinthians 7:3

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” Ephesians 5:25

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.” Ephesians 5:31

“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.” Colossians 3:18

The Bible View #819 — Seek God’s Truths

In This Issue:
Convenient Christianity
Get It Yourself

Volume: 819 July 19, 2021
Theme: Seek God’s Truths

Free Daily Devotions, Bible Studies, Sunday School lessons and printable versions of The Bible View (including church bulletin insert and large print versions) are available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/ and http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/.

A free, printable pamphlet entitled “What Does God Say about Drinking Alcohol” is available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/lessons/Drinking_Pamplet.pdf. It would be appreciated to hear who plans to use it (brinworth@frontier.com), so I can decide if I should offer more of these short pamphlets for ministry use.

Convenient Christianity
Bill Brinkworth

For over ten years, I have been e-mailing 2,000+ people a daily devotion I have written. About a year ago, I suddenly lost the ability to reach over 165+ countries with sound biblical doctrine because of a large technology company’s decision.

At first, I was furious that the company caused that part of my ministry to halt. I, of course, prayed. Soon, I came to an understanding that perhaps it was not a bad thing. I could have fought it and gone to another company, but I realized in these times, it could easily happen again.

I realized that seeking the truths from God’s Word should not always be “easy,” as perhaps my e-mails made it for some. If one pursues what He has preserved for them, it would matter more to that person and build a stronger Christian if one made an effort to get spiritually fed himself.

Christianity has been made readily available to many, but what caliber of Christian has it produced? When I e-mailed the devotion to people, how many read it, and how many lives did it change?

Because Christianity has been made “easy,” many no longer go to church because they can watch it on television. Others do not concentrate and read the Bible but listen to a Christian broadcast while doing something else. What so many call a “devotion” is a reference to a Bible verse they are supposed to look up and a short, cute story. That spiritual snack will do little in building a stronger Christian.

Very few feed themselves with the only things that will open their eyes and change their lives. Those efforts should be to read and study God’s Word and talk to its Originator in prayer.

One gets out of what one puts into most things in life. This applies to getting an education, career, and most areas. Having a close walk with the Lord is also no different. God is watching the efforts we make to hear His truths, to obey Him, and He reads our heart’s desires to know if we want to have a close relationship with Him.

Christianity today has, for many, been made too convenient and has produced fewer strong, faithful, obedient believers. Many will not pay the cost to witness to their neighbors or those they encounter because it may cost them embarrassment. Their lack of desiring to be what God wants them to be, not attempting to seek what God has for them, and not separating from what God warns them to avoid will never produce a strong Christian. The only way any Christian grows is if they pay the cost of seeking God’s truths and obeying them. That price tag includes desire, effort, and sacrifice, no matter what it takes to be close to God and be used by Him.

In the past, I have heard of one man who walked through the African jungle over 1,000 miles through swamps, dangers, and treacherous jungles to listen to a man read from the Word of God. The journey took several months. It was important to him, so he was willing to pay the price to know God and what He desired of the man.

In John Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, one will read of those who sacrificed their possessions, relationships, and even their lives rather than deny Christ or stop reading His Word. God’s truths were important to them. They did whatever it took to hear His Word and obey His commandments.

Today, many Christians in Islamic countries are being slaughtered and tortured, but the believers would not recant their faith. They were willing to pay the price to be close to God with their life! No matter what happened to them, they made an effort because it was of great value to them.

Instead of making reading God’s Word easy and convenient, if people want to learn what God has for them, I urge them to get into their car and drive to every church service they can. If they want to know God’s will and way for them, they need to pay the cost of reading His Word for themselves and laboring over sincere prayers.

My devotions are still available on www.DevotionsFromTheBible.com and www.OpenThouMineEyes.com to provide supplemental teaching of God’s Word. However, I urge you to be willing to pay the cost (my material is always free financially) and make an consistant effort to delve in and study God’s Word yourself.

“The best truths are gotten by digging deep for them.” — D. L. Moody

Get It Yourself
Bill Brinkworth

Something has more value when you get it yourself. All can attest to feeling pride when hard, earned money is used to purchase something. “I got that myself because I worked for it” is the warm feeling one usually gets. The purchased object has much personal meaning and value because it was earned.

Pride and value are not usually gained as much when something is given to a person. Proof of this is often seen in government housing. Because of their economic situation, the people were allowed to live in accommodations provided for them at unusually low rates or free. Because it was given and not earned, it is usually not maintained. It is not uncommon that government housing areas are often the worst-looking areas in the community for that reason.

Cafeteria workers in public schools often attest to their disgust at the waste they see of uneaten, “free” food. Someone else’s tax money paid for the children to get those breakfasts or lunches. Because there was no pride in laboring for it or knowing mom and dad worked to pay for the meals, the children took a couple of bites, or none at all, and tossed it away.

When cheating on a test, a student may pass the exam, but the knowledge and self-respect of learning the material were not obtained. Study habits are not developed because the student found an easy way to pass without getting the knowledge for himself.

This “get-it-easily” attitude can also be applied to the things of God. When a person sits in the pew and absorbs what is preached from the pulpit, what is gained will not be as important to him as if he mined the Word of God himself. It may be why many Christians know so little about the Bible. Also, it may be why God has preserved II Timothy 2:15 which says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

When one becomes a “workman” and digs into the scriptures to get the truth for himself, much is gained. First, it shows himself and the Lord that knowing the truth is important enough to spend his time to obtain what God has said. There will be pride in the wisdom gained, and one will be closer to God. The time spent will help etch scriptures into his mind, help memorize it, and allow him to see how other verses teach similar truths. What is learned will not be forgotten as easily as if they were told to him from the pulpit.

After delving into the scriptures, one would “rightly” divide the truth from fiction. They would learn what God said rather than rely on hearsay, someone else’s interpretation, opinion, or non-biblical traditions. Many might even see what their religion or cult teaches is blasphemous. Certainly, they would learn from God’s Word what they must do to please Him.

Getting biblical knowledge requires too much effort for many. They never read and study the Bible for themselves. Too many would rather trust a pastor to tell them what the Bible says. The attitude quite often is “He spent years in seminary studying it,” or “I cannot understand the Bible, so I need someone to tell me what it means.”

You would be very surprised at what some of the professional religionists believe or say about the Scripture. I have talked to many only to discover that those leaders have little understanding of the Bible or believe doctrines that are not taught in God’s Word. Those sitting in the pews will not know the difference because they never got the knowledge for themselves.

If the knowledge is not gotten for oneself the hard way by reading and studying, one’s spiritual life usually suffers. One will not have the proper spiritual guidance and may go in a direction God would not have him go. Discerning right and sin will be skewed by not having the spiritual measuring tool, the Bible, to gauge decisions.

God is so good to allow us to have His Word (Isaiah 40:8). It is the only way one can know His true mind. Sadly, personal reading of the Holy Scriptures is lacking. Too many who profess to be children of God have never completely read the Word of God for themselves.

Although my main ministry is writing devotions and Bible studies, they are intended to be additional study material or a jumping-off point for those seeking His truths. I encourage you to read your Bible and obtain its truth for yourself. It will mean more to you, and the rewards of knowing His truth will change your life.

“The Bible was not given so much for our information, but for our transformation.” – Author Unknown

The Bible View #754

Articles in this Bible View: “It’s Perfect As It Is,” “The Changed Love Letter,” “Why Our Bible Is Changed”
Theme: The Corruption of God’s Word

BIBLE VIEWS:
E-mailed Version: https://www.thebibleview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/BibleView754Email.pdf
Ministry Version for Printing: https://www.thebibleview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/BibleView754.pdf This format prints on 11 x 8.5″ and when folded in half creates a four-page handout.
Large Print Version for Printing: https://www.thebibleview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/BibleView754-Large-Print.pdf