“What’s The Devil Doing?”

His Past Activities

   Perhaps because of all the false information and distorted images of the devil that went out during the Dark Ages, many skeptical people today think of him as nothing more than a figment of man’s imagination.  Of course, he would like for men to think that way so he can continue to do his dirty work in the dark and then blame God for man’s problems.  But the Scriptures expose him as he really is.

   He is not a human being but he is a real, created spirit being with a mind (2 Corinthians 11:3), a will (2 Timothy 2:26), and emotions (Revelation 12:17).  Prior to his fall, which resulted from his rebellion against God, he was known as Lucifer, the bright and shining one (Isaiah 14, Ezekiel 28).

   He has been doing all he can to oppose the work of God for mankind.  He, through the serpent, persuaded Eve to eat the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:1-6; Revelation 12:9).  She convinced her husband, Adam to do likewise (Genesis 3). 

   For about the next 1,600 years the devil polluted mankind so badly that God had to send a universal flood to destroy sinful men and women.  This took place on the earth during the days of Noah.  Evidence of a universal flood can be found all around the world.

   Then God started all over again with Noah and his family (Genesis 6-9).  There are those who believe that the topography of the earth was changed dramatically during the days of a man named Peleg (Genesis 10:25). 

   After wandering in the wilderness for 40 years the Jews approached the Promised Land.  The devil tried to destroy the uniqueness of the Jewish nation through the intermarriage of Jewish men with beautiful, sensual women from Moab who were pagan idol worshippers (Numbers 31:16). 

   He used King Herod to try to kill the Christ child (Matthew 2:16).  He even used the Apostle Peter to try to oppose God’s plan of salvation for mankind (Matthew 16:21-23).

His Current Activities

   Establishing A One World Church.  Jesus Christ is still building His true church (Matthew 16:18).  But the devil is also actively involved in building his counterfeit one world church.  It consists of the major religions of the world.  It is referred to in Scripture as “Mystery Babylon, The Great, The Mother Of Harlots, And The Abominations Of The Earth” (Revelation 17:5).  The devil’s false church has, is, and will continue to persecute Christ’s true church (John 16:2).

   The devil is energizing (Ephesians 2:2) his counterfeit ministers to propagate a false gospel (2 Corinthians 11:3, 4, 13-15).  They teach that there are many ways to God and to heaven and that we all worship the same God.  But Jesus said, “I am the [only] way” (John 14:6).  If He isn’t, then He is a liar like the devil and should end up in hell with him and his fallen angels (Matthew 25:41; John 8:44).

   Promoting A One World Government.  He is also working hard to set up his counterfeit one world government called “The New World Order.”  He and his fallen angels (demons) are deceiving the nations and will convince them to welcome the “Man of Sin/Anti-Christ” who is the false Messiah (Revelation 13:2-4).  He will imitate Christ’s miracles (Acts 2:22) and the Apostle’s miracles (2 Corinthians 12:12).  He will come with all power, signs, and lying wonders to deceive unbelievers (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

   After the “Rapture” of the church (John 14:1-3), God will allow him to set up his “New World Order” and rule over the earth for 7 years through the “Man of Sin/Anti-Christ.”  Then Jesus Christ will come back to earth, destroy the devil’s kingdom, and establish His “New World Order” (Revelation 19:16). It will last 1,000 years and then go on into eternity (Revelation 20:1-7).

His Future Destiny

   When Jesus Christ returns to earth to establish His “New World Order” (Daniel 2:44), the devil will be bound in the Abyss for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:2).  He won’t be able to tempt anyone living on earth during Christ’s reign over the earth.  But the sinful nature of man will still cause some to rebel against God and be cast into the Lake of Fire (Matthew 5:30; 18:8).

   When the 1,000 years are over, the devil will be released from the Abyss for a short time to make one final attempt to overthrow Jesus Christ but to no avail.  He, and all who follow him, will be cast into the Lake of Fire to suffer forever (Revelation 20:10-15; Matthew 25:41, 46).  No one is annihilated.

 Your Future

   Where will you spend eternity?  It all depends on what you do with the Lord Jesus Christ.  Since we can’t save ourselves from an eternal hell, He came from heaven and lived a sinless life on earth before going to the cross to die for our sins.  After three days He rose again triumphantly from the grave and offers eternal life to all who trust Him exclusively (1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Acts 16:31).  Our good works can’t save us (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Will you trust Him today as your personal Savior?

   If you need additional help, go to our web site www.kelseypeach.com and down load our “Dispensational Chart” or call us at 805-238-3549.

“Perverted Passions”

  Perverted passions plague people persistently. Since the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6), all mankind has been plagued with a sinful nature that opposes God and His rules that were designed for our good. Sin is lawlessness or acting like there are no restraints placed on us (1 John 3:4).

  We’re all born with a sinful nature whether we want to admit it or not (Psalm 51:5; 1 John 1:8). Some “Christian teachers” mistakenly say that once a person receives his promise from God to be saved from hell to heaven and receives a new nature from Him (2 Peter 1:4), he loses his sinful nature immediately.

  But the Scriptures don’t teach that. Otherwise none of us would be saved since we all keep on sinning even though, as Christians, we may sin less frequently than we used to sin (1 John 2:1, 2).

  It may surprise you to know that all Christians still have a sinful nature that can cause us to do all the things we did prior to our being saved. This happens if we walk according to the “flesh” (our sin nature) rather than by (under the control of) the Holy Spirit (Romans 6-8).

  Habitual sin could lead to a Christian’s premature physical death but not to the loss of his eternal salvation (1 John 5:16; Romans 8:1, 6). Otherwise it’s not eternal life. Being saved doesn’t give a Christian a license to sin (Romans 6:1). God will discipline His unruly children severely (Hebrews 10:30, 31; 12:5, 6). It could come in the form of physical, mental, or emotional problems. And if that doesn’t stop his/her sinful behavior God might take the Christian’s physical life from him/her (1 Corinthians 11:30).

  The Apostle Paul himself struggled with his two natures. With his new nature from God he wanted to do the right things and with his sinful nature he longed to do evil things (Romans 7:15-25). Do you have the same struggles going on in you? Take heart. There is hope for us.

  The question is, “How can a Christian keep from yielding to the strong desires (lusts) that come from his/her old sinful nature and live victoriously over it and do the things that please God instead?”

  The secret to victory over our sin nature isn’t by our trying to crucify self but by our yielding ourselves to God the Holy Spirit and letting Him kill those evil desires whenever they come our way(Galatians 5:16, 25; Ephesians 5:18; Romans 6:11-14).

  Yes, it’s possible for Christians to live victoriously over the perverted passions that plague us from time to time. When we refuse to yield to temptation, we demonstrate our love for God and will earn the “Crown of Life” (James 1:12). It also demonstrates to others what God can do for us humans.

  Being tempted isn’t sin. But yielding to sinful temptations is (James 1:13-15). “…the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

  Have you received the gift of eternal life by faith in Him who died for your sins and rose again bodily from the grave on the third day? If not, why not trust Him now and receive eternal life (1 John 5:11-13)?

  If you have questions or comments contact us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site: www.kelseypeach.com.

“When The Russian Bear Dies”

  Bears hibernate in the winter time. When they wake up they are hungry. If you come across one you better be very cautious. Never bother a mother bear’s cubs if you want to stay alive.

  The “Bear” is a personification for Russia and the “Bald Eagle” is the emblem of the United States. Interestingly enough Russia is referred to in Bible prophecy (Ezekiel 38:2) but one has great difficulty finding the United States in the Bible. There are a couple veiled references to the U.S. and Canada (Ezekiel 38:13; Revelation 16:14-16). That makes us ask, “Is the U.S. going to have any significant, dominant role in the future?” It doesn’t seem like we will.

  God told King Nebuchadnezzar through the prophet Daniel about the world empires that would follow the Babylonian Empire (gold). They would be Medo-Persia (silver), Greece (bronze), and Rome (iron) and the Revived Roman Empire that is portrayed by the mixture of iron and clay (Daniel 2:33-45). With the formation of the European Union it seems like this empire is coming back into existence.

  When the true church is taken by Christ out of this world to heaven (John 14:1-3) chaos and anarchy will follow (2Thesalonians 2:7). Then a charismatic, dynamic diplomat from the Revived Roman Empire will arise and offer to solve the problems of the world. The leaders of the world are looking for such a man right now to solve its problems. Maybe they have found the one they hope to use for their objectives for their New World Order.

  Some Bible scholars believe he could come out of the U.S. or Canada since these countries both came out of England that was part of the Roman Empire (Ezekiel 38:13). He will have a Jew assisting him as the “False Prophet.” These two men, empowered by the devil himself, will be embraced by the masses just as Adolph Hitler was in his day.

  After the true church is raptured this man will receive his power from the ten kings (rulers) of the Revived Roman Empire and the apostate church (Revelation 17). Somehow he will negotiate a “Seven Year Peace Agreement” that will provide protection for the Jews from their enemies.

  It might also be designed to keep Israel from launching a full scale nuclear war against its enemies if they feel that they have no other options and would be wiped out by them. Have you heard of “The Samson Option?” Don’t underestimate Israel.

  The anti-Christ will allow them to rebuild another temple where their former temples once stood (Daniel 9:24-27) and will permit them to offer sacrifices again. (The Scriptures don’t tell us anything about the Mosque of Omar that stands on the temple mount in Jerusalem now.)

  But after signing this agreement with the Jews who live in Israel there will be world peace for a short period of time (Revelation 6:2). Most of the Jews will be back in their land when this takes place. They might not feel safe anywhere else in the world.

  Once the anti-Christ has established himself as the most powerful of the 10 kings (rulers) who put him in power, three of the ten kings will oppose him. They can’t stand the idea of a commoner, with mixed blood, being in power over them too (Daniel 2:43; 7:24). He won’t come from a royal blood line.

  Consequently a major war will take place as the anti-Christ crushes completely the three kings (rulers) who will oppose him. During this war one fourth of the world’s population will die (Revelation 6:3-8). Later on one third more of the world’s population will die (Revelation 9:15). In today’s world this is not hard to imagine. That is half the population of the world.

  Famine and death will follow this great battle and the nations of the world will be looking everywhere for food. Russia will see the Jews prospering and living without walls in Israel (Ezekiel 38:11ff). Thinking that they will be an easy prey, the Russian army and her allies that surround Israel will head down to Israel to take a spoil. But before they get to Israel, the anti-Christ, apparently at God’s command, will come to Israel’s defense and destroy the Russian army.  

  Neither Russian communism or Islam will rule the entire world. It seems that the anti-Christ will use nuclear weapons against them (Ezekiel 38:22; Revelation 6:12-17). During this battle he, the anti-Christ, will be killed but will come back to life and the world will wonder after him and say, “Who can make war with him?” (Revelation 13:3, 4). Many will think he really is the promised Messiah.

  At this time, in the middle of the seven years of the tribulation, he will gain domination over the whole world. He will require that everyone take his mark of 666 if they want to buy or sell anything (Revelation 13:18). By the way, this technology is readily available today.

  Then he will set up an image of himself in the Jewish temple that will have been rebuilt. He will demand that the Jews bow down and worship his image and acknowledge him as god (Revelation 13).

  Since the devil couldn’t get Jesus to bow down to him (Matthew 4:8-10) he will try to get God’s people, the Jews, to do this by worshipping the anti-Christ whom he empowers to do his bidding.

  Most of the Jews will refuse and will need to head for the hills immediately to avoid his wrath (Matthew 24:16). During the next 3 ½ years the anti-Christ will be empowered by the devil and will attempt to annihilate the Jews once and for all (Revelation 12).

  But God will come to the aid of the Jews and hide many of them in Petra (Sela) for the next 3 ½ years (Revelation 12:6; Isaiah 16:1). The campaign of Armageddon will follow (Revelation 16:16). There is much more to come.

  Since Daniel’s predictions concerning the four major world empires came to pass literally, it only stands to reason that we interpret the rest of his prophecy in the same way.

  All these events could happen in the very near future. The stage seems set. The wicked men of this world want to set up their “New World Order” and leave Jesus Christ out of it. But God just laughs at their futile attempts to overthrow Him (Psalm 2). 

  Jesus Christ will reign over the earth for a thousand years before He destroys this earth and creates a new one where righteousness will settle down and feel at home forever.  Will you be there with Him?

  These terrible things that will take place during the tribulation might affect you or some of your loved ones and friends if you’re not saved. There is a way to avoid going into this period of time known as “The Great Tribulation.”

  If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ who died for your sins and rose again before the “Rapture” takes place (1 Corinthians 15:51ff), you will be saved and won’t go into it (1 Thessalonians 5:9; Revelation 3:10).

  Your good works can’t save you (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Trust Christ alone (Acts 16:31). Then share the Gospel with someone else who needs the Savior (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

  The Lord can’t and won’t come back at the Rapture for us until all whom the Father has given to the Son come to Him (John 6:37). These believers make up the “Body of Christ” and  will become the “Bride of Christ.” Are you certain you’re one of His?  Make sure today. Read 1 John 5:11-13.

  For more information, go to www.kelseypeach.com

“In God We Trust”

 

  Question:  What do college degrees, nuclear submarines, and retirement funds have in common?

  Answer:  They are designed to give you a sense of security.  Security in your job, security in your home land, and security for your future. 

  When it comes to the subject of security, how secure do you feel right now?  Is it a false sense of security?  What makes you nervous?  Upon what or in whom are you depending to keep you safe?  Inflation could make your retirement funds dwindle into nothing.  Some people with a Ph.D. can’t find suitable work.  Their area of specialty isn’t in demand.  Advanced technology could make our military might obsolete.

  In the olden days the ultimate military weapons were the chariot and the horse.  Today we have sophisticated military equipment.  But if an E.M.P. bomb exploded over our country and disabled all electronic equipment, we could be brought to our knees.  No longer would we be a world power.  Some believe that it might happen.

  It’s interesting that the United States is not clearly mentioned in Bible prophecy.  Is there a reason for that?  Do you know what God says about the future?  You don’t have to live in the dark. 

  If you’re relying on the government to take care of you, you better consider the character qualities of those running the government.  Who are the powerful people behind the public figures?  Who energizes them?  Do they really have your best interest at heart?

  Have you noticed how many of our politicians are taking us toward a New Word Order with a one world government and a one world religion?   If not, wake up!

  Long ago God’s Word predicted certain things would happen.  But you don’t have to go down with the ship.  We want to have a part in rescuing the people on planet earth.  Will you help us do that?

  Will there ever be true and lasting peace on earth?  Yes!  Do we really need a New World Order?  Absolutely.  The question is, “Who will govern it?”  The current rulers of this world certainly don’t want Jesus Christ or anyone like Him governing the earth.  His rules are too confining for them.  They shake their fists at Him in defiance (Psalm 2).  But God just laughs at them with derision for such foolish behavior. But then, at the appointed time, Jesus Christ, the risen and glorified One, will come back to earth and crush those who oppose Him and His offer of deliverance (Revelation 19:11-16).

  Then He will establish His millennial kingdom on earth as He promised the Jews thousands of years ago.  So be warned all you who are trying to take from the Jews the land that God said He would give to them.  Take heart Jewish people.  God will not go back on His promises to you.  Read the words of your Old Testament prophets. 

  It’s true.  The darkest days for the Jews are still ahead.  They are called “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).  But God will spare a remnant.  The meek Jews who trust Christ will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).  The Jewish nation can’t be wiped out.  There is a bright future for believing Jews and non-Jews.

  Are you defying God right now?  Are you trying to get into heaven by some other way than God’s way?  Do you think that you will never be held accountable for your behavior?  Think again.  Judgment day is coming (Hebrews 9:27).  Where will you spend eternity?  That will be determined by what you do with the Lord Jesus Christ.

  Who is He?  According to the Scriptures, He is God manifested in human flesh (John 1:1-14).  After living a sinless life here on earth He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again bodily from the grave on the third day.  Then He was seen by over 500 witnesses before ascending back to heaven (1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Acts 1:9-11). 

  Knowing this information and agreeing with it isn’t enough to get you into heaven.  You must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone if you want to be saved (Acts 16:31).  You must transfer your trust from all other people and/or your good works to Him exclusively.  Have you done that yet?

  We aren’t saved by faith plus good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9).  But once God saves us, we can give evidence of our salvation to others by doing good works (Ephesians 2:10).  Don’t get this order mixed up or you will end up in hell (Matthew 7:21-23, Revelation 20:15).

  If you’re not sure where you will spend eternity, we’d be glad to show you from the Bible how you can have an assurance of salvation and eternal security.  The Apostle John wanted his readers to know that they had eternal life (1 John 5:11-13).  Don’t just wish, hope, or think you’ll go to heaven?  Make sure today!

     For additional help, go to www.kelseypeach.com

“Who Is Your Pilot?”

Thank You For Saving Us

 Thanks to the skills of airline pilot, Chesley B. Sullenberger III, 155 people’s lives were spared from a fiery death.  After a flock of birds damaged the airplane’s engines he was able to maintain his composure and bring the aircraft to a safe landing on the Hudson River.  No doubt the passengers on that flight will be ever grateful to him for the skills he displayed in that time of crisis.

Our Crisis

  We, who live in the United States, as well as people in many countries around the world, are facing a similar crisis as our economy and the stock market plunges.  Some folks are expecting the government to bail them out of this crisis. Many are beginning to wonder what their future is going to look like.  Others have had their life savings wiped out and stolen by “crooks.”

The Depression

  Some of you who are reading this article endured the depression of the 1930’s and know the agony associated with it.  Most of the younger generation has no idea how bad it was.

Who Is In Control?

  While we don’t know the ultimate outcome of the current economic down turn, it’s very important to know the one who is in control of the situation.  Some think that the president of the country has the ultimate control.  Then there are those who think that the money changers manipulate the president as they would a puppet.

Spirit Beings?

  But the Bible tells us that behind many of the human rulers of this world there are wicked spirit beings who control the minds of men and work in and through them (2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 6:12).  Some of these people claim to have “spirit guides.”  Just because we can’t see these spirit beings doesn’t mean they don’t exist.  We can’t see the wind either but we believe in its power.  Compressed air can be used for good or for evil.  The stuff we call air even keeps airplanes from falling to earth.

What’s Ahead Of Us?

  The Scriptures tell us what is going to happen in the future.  Both a one world government and a one world religion are coming, perhaps sooner than we realize it.  Whether we want to be believe it or not, we need these two things more than ever before.  Lawless people of the world are getting out of hand just as the Bible predicted (2 Timothy 3).

A World Leader Is Desperately Needed

  We need a powerful person very soon to rescue us from total destruction.  As good as a constitutional republic or a democracy may be, they eventually crumble when the common people discover that they can elect into office politicians who will take money from the public treasury to support them and their lifestyles.

Who Would You Pick For The Job?

  Do you think that we are ready for a one world dictator?  If so, who would you want to rule the world?  Are you sure?  Many Germans thought Adolph Hitler was the promised “Messiah.”

Two Working As One

  The Bible tells us that the coming false “Prince of Peace” will be elevated into power by 10 kings (rulers) of the revived Roman Empire (EU) and by the head of the apostate one world religion (Revelation 17:13).  He will be assisted by a “false prophet” whom many Bible scholars believe will be a Jew (Revelation 16:13).

The Mark Of The Beast

  Together they will dominate the lives of all humanity for a brief period of time during the “Seven Years Of Tribulation” Daniel 9:27; Revelation 13:17).  Without the “mark of the beast” people won’t be able to buy or sell what they need to survive.

Half The Population Killed

  Rather than bringing true peace to this earth, these two men will be responsible, directly or indirectly, for the deaths of over 3 billion people.  But their days will be numbered and they will be brought to a devastating end when the true “Prince of Peace” arrives on the scene (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 24:29ff; Revelation 19:20).

The Deceptive Pilot

  Your eternal destiny depends on who your “pilot” is.  Lucifer (the devil) appears as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:4) and has deluded many people over the centuries.  He has lulled them into spiritual sleep (1 John 5:19).  Others have sold themselves to him and serve him so they can have his power.  They violently oppose the true and living God and His children (Ephesians 2:2). Is he your pilot?

The End Of Our Republic?

  We may be coming to the end of our republic as we have known it for the last 230 years.  We may also be coming to the end of the “Dispensation of Grace” (Ephesians 3:2) with the seven years of tribulation just around the corner.  How much time is left for planet earth?  What does your future look like? Will you be kept from this time of tribulation or go into it?  Is so, what will happen to you?

It’s Time To Panic

   If you aren’t a true child of God you may want to panic.  You should.  Your life is in grave danger (John 3:18, 36).  But if Jesus Christ is your personal Savior (Pilot) you can rely on Him to rescue you from an eternal hell where the devil and his angels will be sent to suffer forever.

The Transcendent One

  No other religious leader died for our sins and rose again bodily from the grave but Jesus.  He is the God-man, the son of the virgin, Mary.  He lived a sinless life so He could offer Himself as our perfect substitute and die for our sins once for all (Hebrews 9:12).  Is He your personal Savior? Is He your “Pilot” who will get you safely to heaven?

Need Help?

  If you have questions, need additional spiritual help, or would like a Bible time line chart, call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site at www.kelseypeach.com and down load the “Dispensational Chart” for yourself and make a copy for someone else too.  Study it carefully.  It might be used by God to keep you and a friend out of hell.

“Feeling Hopeless?”

  We live in a world filled with people who lack hope.  They are scared and fearful about the future.  They don’t know where to turn or whom to trust.  Some in leadership positions have lied, stolen, and cheated us.  Do you feel betrayed, angry, and hurt?  Would you like some hope for your future?

 Our Hope

  Hope, for the Christian, is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on God’s promises to those who have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ exclusively for their salvation (Acts 16:31).  He is the One who died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the grave on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).  This is the essence of the Gospel that becomes the power of God to any and all who will trust Him alone.

 The Good News

  The Gospel and the means of salvation are the same for Jews and Gentiles (Romans 1:16, 17).  We all have to come to God the same way.  Without Jesus Christ as our Savior, we’re all helpless, hopeless, and hell bound sinners (Romans 5:6; 6:23; Ephesians 2:12).  Jesus said, “I am the [only] way [to God and to heaven]…” (John 14:6).  No other religious leader died for our sins and rose again or can save mankind from an eternal hell (Acts 4:12).  We must believe on Christ alone or perish forever (John 3:16, 18, 36).

Make Sure

  Our salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as He is portrayed in the Scriptures alone.  It is not of works lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9).  The Apostle Peter tells us to “make our calling and elction sure” (2 Peter 1:10). Yes, we can be sure of it (1 John 5:13).  How sure are you?

 Who Is Jesus?

  Jesus Christ was God manifested in human flesh (John 1:1-18).  Unbelievers have no right to ask God the Father for favors until they trust God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to save them.  Instead, they should ask their father, the devil, for favors (John 8:44).  He is eager to help those who belong to him and who will sell their souls to him. He has many children whom he has lulled to sleep.  They aren’t aware of the very real dangers surrounding them (1 John 5:19).  He also has  mature sons of disobedience who are eager to serve Him (Ephesians 2:2).

The Adversary

  The devil (Lucifer) also is willing to help Christians who will compromise the truth and assist him in his opposition to God.  Once the Lord had to rebuke Peter because he was being influenced by the devil to work against Jesus’ plan for the people of the world (Matthew 16:23).  

  Presently the devil owns the kingdoms of this world.  He offered them to Jesus if He would fall down and worship him (Matthew 4:9). 

Christ’s Second Coming

  This is why Jesus Christ must come again bodily to this earth.  He must take back the dominion of this earth that the devil stole from Adam (Genesis 1:26, 28; Psalm 2).  Jesus will return with a rod of iron to crush His enemies and take vengence on those who sided with the devil (2 Thessalonians 1:8). 

The Meek Jews

  Then the meek [believing Jews, not the church] shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5) and a new world (Romans 5:13) after Jesus Christ destroys this present heavens and earth and creates a new heavens and earth where righteousness will settle down and feel at home (Revelation 21:1; Isaiah 65:17).

 Your Right

  God’s children, who have been born again from above (John 3:3), have every right to come to their Father and ask Him for favors and trust Him to keep His promises to them (Hebrews 4:15, 16).  God cannot lie.  He is the truth (John 14:6). He’s all powerful too (Revelation 1:8).

 Conditional Or Unconditional?

  Some of God’s promises are conditional.  Others are unconditional.  As Christians we must be careful that we don’t try to claim God’s promises that were given to the Old Testament Jews but not to us Christians.  The church, which is Christ’s body, is a separate entity from Israel to whom were given many temporaral promises (1 Corinthians 10:32). The Christians’ blessings are primarily spiritual (Ephesians 1:3).

 You Can’t Claim That

  Not every promise in the Bible can be claimed by Christians.  Eventually we will inherit everything Christ does (Romans 8:17; Revelation 21:7) because we will become His bride at the time of the Rapture (Ephesians 5:32; 1 Corinthians 15:51ff).

Relax

  Spirit filled Christians (Ephesians 5:18), who abide [feel at ease with God] are free to claim God’s promises (John 15:16) and mix them with faith (Hebrews 4:2).  Then they can relax and watch God go to work on their behalf.  A Christian, who is full of anxiety and worry, isn’t living by faith and grieves God’s heart (Ephesians 4:30).

 Stop Worrying

 God’s Word tells Christians not to be anxious or worry about anything.  Instead we are to pray [worship God and admire Him for who He is].  Then we are to supplicate [cry out to Him for help] while giving Him thanks for what He has done, is doing, and will do for us.  We are to make our requests known to Him and then be at ease and enjoy His peace which passes all understanding (Philippians 4:6-8). 

 Types Of Peace

  You can have peace with God when you trust Christ as your personal Savior (Romans 5:1).  Christians can have the peace of God when they take God at His word and claim His promises (Philippians 4:6-8).

 What Do You Need?

  Which kind of peace do you need at the moment?  If you need additional spiritual help, please contact us at (805) 238-3549 or visit our web site www.kelseypeach.com.  God is in the business of transforming lives.  We’d be glad to point you to Jesus Christ and His Word.

 

“Banish Boredom – Read Good Books”

    Someone once commented, “There is no reason for a person who can read to be bored if he/she has access to good books.”  Mark Twain said, “The man who doesn’t read has no advantage over the one who can’t read.”  President Harry Truman remarked, “Not every reader is a leader, but every leader must be a reader.”

   Unlike people in the third world countries, we who live in this country have access to all kinds of books. Some aren’t worth the paper they are printed on.   Other books are teaching doctrines of demons and are leading young readers and older people into the occult, witchcraft, and the New Ages heresies.   But thankfully there are still good books that can revolutionize our lives.

   “Reading, like no other medium, can transform your life in a flash, and you never know which book…at which time in your life…might be the one that rocks your world and inspires you in ways you never thought possible before.” Burke Hedges

Recommended Books 

   I have many books in my library and love to read. I hesitate to recommend some books while leaving others out. But here are a few that have had an impact on my life recently:

“On Being A Servant” by Warren Wiersbe is a must read for anyone who wants to discover how to serve God and others effectively for the glory of God. This short book can help save you from a lot of heartaches.

“The Indwelling Life Of Christ” by Major Ian Thomas. This small book will teach you how to live a purposeful Christian life by allowing God to live His life through your life.

“Deceived On Purpose” by Warren Smith (The New Age Implications of the Purpose-Driven Church) This is a real eye opener to the emerging church of our day.  Discover how the true Christians will be persecuted in the days to come.

The Most Important Book  

   There is one book we dare not neglect. That Book is the Word of God. “[It] is living and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword…” (Hebrews 4:12). “[It] is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).

   By spending just 15 minutes a day most people could read through the Bible in one year. Is it too much to ask you to spend 1% of your day in God’s Word? Go without a meal rather than neglect the Word of God.

   I like to recommend to new Christians the New King James Bible, Scofield Study System. I believe that it rightly divides the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Dispensationalism is the result of a literal, historical, grammatical interpretation of the Bible. (Down load our “Dispensational Chart” from our web site.)

Don’t Have Money Or Time?

   Many people make the excuse that they don’t have the money to buy books or the time to read them. Consider all the clothes you have in your closet that you seldom wear or the other things you really don’t need. May we suggest that you cut out on some of those things and begin to invest in some good books?

   Perhaps you might want to get an audio Bible and listen to it in your car as you go back and forth to work. If you are a slow reader like I used to be, we recommend that you learn how to increase your speed and comprehension almost immediately by following some simple techniques found on my web site www.kelseypeach.com under Bible Study Tools – Speed Reading.   

   Discover the joy that comes from reading good books. “You are the same today as you’ll be five years except for two things, the people you meet and the books you read.” Charles Jones

“We Shall Rise”

As strange as it may seem to us, the Psalmist (116:15) wrote: “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints” (i.e. the true believers in God). We might ask “Why did he say that?”

 

We Believe In Life After Death

 

Christians believe in life after death. The Apostle Paul wrote, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). “For I am hard pressed between [life and death], having a desire to depart and be with Christ [in heaven], which is far better…” (Philippians 1:23).

As He was getting ready to go to the cross to die for our sins, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions [dwellings]; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for [all of] you [believers]. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3). That beautiful place is described for us in Revelation 20:10-27.

(Before you continue reading, may we suggest that you download our “Dispensational Chart” and the “Resurrections Chart” by going to our web site www.kelseypeach.com and then go to the Bible Study Tools section? It will help you visually.)

 

We Believe In A Bodily Resurrection

 

The Old Testament patriarch Job said, “And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God.” (Job 19:26). Abraham believed that even if he had to actually kill his son, as God had ordered him to do to test his true devotion to God, God could and would raise Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:19) and fulfill His promises to him (Genesis 12, 15, 17).

The religious Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead (23:6). Martha, the sister of Lazarus who had died, believed her brother would be resurrected on the last day (John 11:24). Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life…” (John 11:25).

 

Our Natural Fear Of Death

 

Many people are fearful of death and rightfully so if they are not Christians. They don’t know what is on the other side of death. But true Christians need not be afraid of it. Jesus Christ took the sting out of death by dying for our sins and rising again bodily from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). He told us in His Word what’s on the other side of death. True Christians have hope for a better life in the future.

In the Old Testament times the devil held the keys of death (Hebrews 2:14; Job 1:18). But Jesus Christ took them from him when He rose again bodily from the grave (Revelation 1:18). Jesus is the One who turns the key and decides when we depart from this life and enter the next one (1 Thessalonians 4:14). He took the sting out of death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

 

An Exception To The Rule

 

Death is inevitable but there are some exceptions. This is a general rule: “…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Enoch and Elijah were two men who passed from this life into the next one without dying (Genesis 5:24; 2 Kings 2:11). The Scriptures teach us that there will be a whole generation of Christians who will pass from this life into the next life without dying (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). You could be among them if you have the right kind of faith in Christ. Don’t be one who believes in vain (1 Corinthians 15:2).

 

The Most Pitiable People

 

If Jesus Christ didn’t really rise from the dead as some false teachers are claiming, then Christians are of all people the most pitiable (1 Corinthians 15:19). But His bodily resurrection out from among the dead ones is a historical fact that was witnessed by over 500 people over a 40 day period of time. Then He ascended back to heaven in the presence of His disciples (1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Acts 1:1-11; Luke 24 33-43). He said He’d return for them and us some day (John 14:1-3).

 

Don’t Let The Scoffers Trouble You

 

With God a day is like a thousand years (2 Peter 3:1-9). Relax! He’ll return for us when all whom the Father has given to Him have come to Him (John 6:37). We can have a part in this work by leading people to Christ to be saved (Acts 1:8). We can even earn the crown of rejoicing for doing this (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20).

 

Our Resurrection Is Assured

 

Christ’s resurrection also assures us of our resurrection from the dead (John 14:19; 1 Corinthians 15:26). Every human being who has ever lived here on planet earth will one day be resurrected “in his/her own order” (1 Corinthians 15:23, 24, 51-53). The last enemy Christ will destroy is death (1 Corinthians 15:26). He will do this by raising everyone from the dead. Do you know in which resurrection will you participate? Four distinct resurrections are mentioned in these verses. (See the Resurrections Chart)

 

The Reason People Die

 

Death is very ugly and brings sorrow to so many people. It all started in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit that God had told them not to eat (Genesis 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12; 6:23). Death (separation) took place in the physical and spiritual realms. At physical death the soul and spirit are separated from the body. Spiritual death (separation from God) took place the moment they ate the forbidden fruit. They had no idea of the suffering that would follow in the generations to come.

 

A Garment Of Light

 

They also realized that they had been stripped of their garment of light (Genesis 3:7). When the Rapture occurs Christians will get a garment of light like Christ’s (1 Corinthians 15:49; 1 Timothy 6:16; 1 John 3:2). Old Testament believers will get their garments of light seven years later when they are raised from the dead to live on the earth that God promised to give them (Daniel 12:2, 12; Matthew 5:5; Romans 4:13).

 

Opposition To The Resurrection

 

Some people vehemently oppose those of us who believe and teach that there will be several resurrections of the dead as the Scriptures teach (1 Corinthians 15:23, 24; Acts 4:1-5). The Apostle Paul insisted that the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead be included in the Gospel message (2 Timothy 2:8-10). The men of Athens mocked him when he spoke of the resurrection (Acts 17:23). Without a risen Savior, we all would be doomed to hell and without hope (1 Corinthians 15:1-19).

Perhaps their hostility to Christ’s resurrection and to mankind’s resurrection from the dead stems from the fact that unbelievers don’t want to give an account of their behavior to the living and true God (Romans 12:14; Hebrews 9:27; 10:31). Some men just love darkness rather than light (John 3:19).

 

Man’s Corrupt Heart

 

Man’s heart (nature) is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-23). He needs a new one. God gives us one when we trust in Christ alone as our Savior (John 3:3; 2 Peter 1:4). But we still have the old heart (sin nature) until we die or are taken up in the Rapture (1 John 1:8). Only the Holy Spirit can kill the evil desires (lusts) that it produces in us (Galatians 5:16-25).

 

Annihilation And Reincarnation

 

Some people choose to believe in the annihilation of the wicked or in reincarnation. Neither is taught in the Scriptures which are the authoritative Word of God. The Old Testament was authenticated by Jesus Christ Himself. He told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would convey additional information to some of them after His death and resurrection (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:21; 3:15, 16; John 16:13). In addition to the 39 books of the Old Testament, we have Biblical truth in the 27 books of the New Testament. We don’t accept or believe the spurious writings of false teachers.

 

The Intermediate Bodies Of The Dead

 

According to the Scriptures, as soon as a person dies, he/she moves out of time into eternity (Hebrews 9:27). All human beings have a spirit, soul, and a body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). By means of our bodies we express ourselves to others (James 2:18). Our soul seems to be most closely related to our emotions (Psalm 6:3; 7:5; 13:2; 23:2), and our spirit belongs to the mind (Ephesians 4:23).

Incidentally, the Holy Spirit can and does lead maturing believers to do those things He desires them to do (Romans 8:14; Philippians 2:13). But He will never lead us to do something that is contrary to the written, revealed Word of God to Christians.

 

The New Testament Believers

 

As soon as a New Testament Christian dies he/she receives a temporary body from God to house his/her soul and spirit in the Paradise section of heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1-8; 12:4; Ephesians 4:8-10). Christians will have these temporary, heavenly bodies until they return with Christ at the Rapture to reclaim their bodies that died and which were placed in the ground to rest in sleep (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:15). It is only the body that sleeps until it is raised. Our souls and spirits don’t sleep.

When Christ comes back at the Rapture to meet us in the air (John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), He will raise up the bodies of the New Testament believers and change them and make them like His resurrected, glorified human body (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 John 3:2). We don’t become gods.

 

The Old Testament Believers

 

The resurrection of the Old Testament believers will take place seven years after the rapture (Daniel 12). They will live among the residents of the earth who lived through the Tribulation. The resurrected believers will not able to reproduce themselves (Matthew 22:30). But the believers who lived during and who survived the tribulation will repopulate the earth during the millennial reign of Christ (Matthew 10:22). (For more information, see our Dispensational Chart.)

During the millennium the undefiled ones will have access to the heavenly New Jerusalem and will enter it through the gate with the name of their tribe above it (Revelation 21:12, 27). They will be accompanied up and down by angels (Genesis 28:12; Zechariah 8:23).

King David will be resurrected and will be the king on earth under Christ and His bride, the church who will rule from the satellite city which will hover over the earth during the millennium (Jeremiah 30:9; Revelation 19:16; 21:10-27). It is about 1,5000 miles square at the base and 1,500 miles high either in the shape of a cube or more probably in the shape of a pyramid (Revelation 21:16). It will be the source of light for the earth during the millennium (Revelation 21:24). The sun will go out towards the end of the tribulation (Revelation 16:8; Matthew 24:209).

 

The Tribulation Survivors

 

The first generation of un-glorified believers to enter the millennium will have children. But not all of their descendents will believe in the true and living God, Jesus Christ, in spite of the ideal conditions on earth at that time. The devil will be bound for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:2), all man’s needs will be met (Isaiah 11:1-10; 35:1), and the sin nature of man will be curbed (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

In spite of all this, a rebellion will break out at the end of the millennium when Satan is released from the abyss to deceive the nations (Revelation 20:7-10). This rebellion will be crushed and the devil along with all the rebels will be cast into the Lake of Fire where the beast (man of sin) and the false prophet were cast 1,000 years earlier (Revelation 19:20; 20:10-15). The fact that they are there when the devil gets there disproves the annihilation of the wicked.

 

The Unbelievers

 

The resurrection of unbelievers will take place at the Great White Throne judgment at the end of time (Revelation 20:11-15). Currently the unsaved dead are confined to the “jail house” (Sheol / Hades) in the heart of the earth (Numbers 16:30; Deuteronomy 32:22; Luke 16:19-31) where they suffer in great pain.

Right after the Great White Throne judgment those in Sheol / Hades will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 2:14). It was designed for the devil and his angels (demons) but those who reject God’s offer of salvation end up there with them (Mathew 25:41). We need Christ’s rightness to get into heaven (John 16:10). Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6).

 

The Order Of Resurrections

 

Four major resurrections are mentioned in 1 Corinthians chapter 15. There is Christ’s resurrection that insures other resurrections (15:23). Then the Apostle Paul mentions a resurrection of those who are Christ’s at His [second] coming (15:23) after the seven years of tribulation. This resurrection was anticipated by the Jewish believers (John 11:24). The resurrection of unbelievers will take place 1,000 years later (15:24).

But the Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reveals still another resurrection that was a mystery in the Old Testament times (15:51-53; Romans 16:25, 26). It will be for the New Testament believers who are part of the body of Christ that becomes His bride (John 14:1-3; Ephesians 5:32). See the Resurrections Chart.

The Apostle Paul wanted to be alive when the Rapture took place (Philippians 3:11). But God had another plan for him. God wants all His children to live each day anticipating Christ’s return.

If we do this we will gain the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8). Are you living in the light of His any moment return? It willhelp purify you (1 John 3:3) and bring comfort to you when Jesus calls a believer home to be with Him in heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:18). It is also called the blessed hope (Titus 2:13) and will bring happiness into the lives of those who believe it will occur at any moment.

 

Where Will You Spend Eternity?

 

Those who have placed their faith and trust in the living and true God of the Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ, will spend eternity with God where there is joy evermore (Psalm 16:11). God will wipe away every tear from our eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, and no crying. There will be no more pain and the former things will have passed away (Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 65:17).

But those who lack Christ’s righteousness will be lost forever in hell (John 16:8-11; Revelation 20:15). If you place your faith in Christ alone, God will put Christ’s righteousness to your account and He will accept you into heaven (Romans 4:22-25).

God has provided natural revelation for all of us. It’s all around us. We can look at nature and know that there is a God and that He is powerful. If one will accept this much light, God will see to it that he/she will gets the additional information about Christ (the Gospel) so he/she can be saved.

The Gospel is the power of God for the salvation of the Jews and non-Jews (Romans 1:16, 17). God could send a missionary to that person (Acts 10). He could use a voice over the air waves or a printed page to get the Gospel to that person so he/she could be saved.

 

Your Response

 

May I commend you for reading all of this. I hope it has been helpful. God desires that all men and women, boys and girls be saved (1Timothy 2:4). He made a way of escape from hell for you. “Christ died for your sins…and rose again bodily…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). If you trust Him alone you will be saved (Acts 16:31). If you’ve never done so before, will you trust Him now? You can know you have eternal life right now (1 John 5:13).

If you’ve trusted Christ as your personal Savior, will you help me get this message out to others who aren’t saved yet? We get to go home to heaven when our work on earth is done. Until then let’s be faithful to Him who called us to salvation (1 Corinthians 4:2; 15:58).

 

Our Invitation

 

If you need additional help or have questions, please call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site at www.kelseypeach.com.

“Celebrate, Anticipate, Activate, Validate”

 

Let’s Celebrate His Birth

  While it’s true that we don’t know the exact date of Jesus Christ’s birth, we can still celebrate His arrival to earth as a genuine human being (John 1:1-18). The incarnation deals with God the Son’s adding to Himself a true human nature and a real body like ours (Philippians 2:5-11). When He came to earth He didn’t cease to be God (Colossians 2:9). He merely veiled some of His divine attributes while He was on earth.

  His name Immanuel means God with us (Matthew 1:23). He came to His own people, the Jews, but many didn’t welcome Him or recognize Him as their Messiah and Savior (John 1:11). So He enlarged His focus to include us Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation (Matthew 16:21). Doesn’t that make you want to tell others?

  If you or someone you know has trouble understanding the miracle of the incarnation, you might want to read this touching story www.tyny.com/christmasstory.html

  It’s not hard to adore a babe in a manger. But He went on to live a sinless life, and fulfilled His mission by dying for our sins and rising from the dead with a glorified body consisting of flesh and bones, but no blood (Luke 24:36-43; 1 Corinthians 15:50). Before ascending back to heaven He made numerous appearances to over 500 people. His bodily resurrection assures us of our bodily resurrection.

  Four major resurrections are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:23, 24, 51-53. Do you know in which one you will participate? The last enemy Christ will defeat is death (1 Corinthians 15:26). He will accomplish this by raising everyone from the dead. True believers will be in His presence forever in happiness while unbelievers will be separated from Him forever in hell (Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 20:11-15).

  To the disciples who witnessed His ascension, two (angels who appeared to them as) men said, “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). Do you believe that? I do. Don’t let the scoffers rob you of the joy of anticipating His any moment return (2 Peter 3:3). Keep in mind, with the Lord one day is as a thousand years (2 Peter 3:8).

 

Let’s Anticipate His Return

  The Old Testament prophets wrote of His first and second coming without realizing that between these two events there would be a period of time designed primarily for us Gentiles (non-Jews). This mystery was revealed to the New Testament apostles. The Apostle Paul, who was the steward of the dispensation of grace (Ephesians 3:1ff), wrote the most about this and our code of conduct as grace believers.

  Christ’s first mention of the “Rapture” is in John 14:1-3. He gave the Apostle Paul some additional information concerning this event so Christians might have hope [a confident expectation based on Christ's promise]. This information can be found in 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. If you would like to contrast the “Rapture” with the “Second Coming” and do some more studying of this subject, visit www.middletownbiblechurch.org/proph/rapt2com.htm.

  Those who keep in mind the possibility of Christ’s any moment return will find comfort at the time of a believer’s death (1 Thessalonians 4:18), will be happier (blessed) than those without this hope [confident expectation] (Titus 2:13), and will purify themselves (1 John 3:3).

 

Let’s Activate Our Faith

  Some of the believers in the church at Thessalonica, who believed in Christ’s any moment return, had a problem. They quit working and began to “sponge off of others.” So Paul wrote to them to remind them of their need to keep working while waiting for Christ’s return (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13).

  James, the half brother of Christ, wrote “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). No, we’re not saved by our good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9), but by God’s grace through faith in the Christ of the Scriptures, not in another Christ of the cults (2 Corinthians 11:4) or another gospel (Galatians 1:6-9).

  Until all whom the Father has given to the Son have come to Christ (John 6:36), there is work for us Christians to do (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10). “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

  Christ’s new commandment was “That you [disciples] love one another [other Christians], as I [Christ] have loved you…By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34, 35).

 

Let’s Validate Our Faith

  The most important decision in life is the one you make or fail to make about Jesus Christ. If you aren’t sure of your eternal destiny, please contact us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site at www.kelseypeach.com

“Tora, Tora, Tora”

  December 7, 1941 was a day of infamy. Without warning the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and sank many of our battleships. Leading the 360 “Kamikaze pilots” was a proud, 39 year old Commander by the name of Mitsuo Fuchida.

  At that time he had no idea that the true and living God was going to spare his life, humble him, and graciously save him after World War II was over.

  If you would like to learn more about how he came to know the Lord and those whom God used, visit www.biblebelievers.com/fuchida1.html

  God has mysterious ways of accomplishing His purposes (Isaiah 55:8, 9). He uses foolish, weak, base, and despised people to bring down the wise, mighty, and noble so that no flesh will boast in His presence (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

  If you would like to learn more about how you can be assured of going to heaven when you die, call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site: www.kelseypeach.com