God And His Word Are All That We Need

Most people fail to realize the treasure they have if they own a Bible or have access to the Scriptures, which most of us do in this country. Sadly, many people around the world know little or nothing about the true and living God, and don’t have a Bible to read. Some people can’t read.

Within the 66 books of the Bible, that make up the Old and New Testaments, we have all that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3, 4). We don’t need to turn to the philosophies of sinful men to learn how to be saved or how to live a victorious Christian life (Colossians 2:8). God’s Word is “theocentric.” This means that it’s centered around God. By contrast, an anthropocentric life puts man at the center. “Unfortunately, living for the moment often leads to misery in the form of addiction, unwanted pregnancies, broken relationships, and other regrets. Living for humanistic, anthropocentric goals also has its problems—if the advancement of man is the highest good, ambitious leaders can justify almost anything to ensure the progress of humanity—even, ironically, genocide and ethnic cleansing.” [1]

The Scriptures teach us the truth about God (John 17:17), our sinful condition (Romans 3:10-23; Jeremiah 17:9), how to be saved from the lake of fire and enter into heaven to spend eternity with the One Who laid down His life to save us sinners (1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Acts 16:31). Such love should prompt us to live a life that pleases Him at all times (John 15:1-8; 2 Corinthians 5:9). Ten major themes include: The Bible, God, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, Man, Sin, Salvation, The Church, and Future Things. How familiar are you with these topics?

All Scripture is God breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, that the man / woman of God (a believer) may be complete / thoroughly equipped to do the work God pre-planned for us to do (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; See Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10). Question: If you’re saved, do you know what your spiritual gift is, and are you using it with love for the benefit of others (1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 5:13)? [2]

While all the Bible is for us, not all of it is addressed to us as New Testament believers. All the doctrines (teachings) of the Bible are to be believed, but not all of it is to be believed and practiced (Titus 1:9). God has given different rules for different people at different times known as “Dispensations – Rules for Living.” (They are NOT separate ways of salvation.) Three major ones are Law, Grace, and Kingdom. (See our Bible Study Book Marker with a Dispensations Chart on our website.) [3]

The devil [4] doesn’t want people to have access to the Scriptures and/or to read it. During the Middle Ages it was virtually inaccessible to the common man. But thanks to the printing press and the Protestant Reformation that began around A.D. 1500, mankind has had access to God’s Word in many languages of the world.

“Natural Revelation” (i.e., the things we can learn from nature) tells us that there is a God Who is powerful (Romans 1:20). But we need “Special Revelation” from God to learn other vital information including how we can be saved / delivered from everlasting condemnation to spend eternity with God.

God’s purpose is to glorify Himself (John 17:1-8). He wants to make Himself known to His creatures – human beings and spirit beings. His attributes include: goodness, righteousness, omnipotence, omniscience, truthfulness, holiness, and love. Man’s purpose is/should be to glorify God by making Him know to those around us (1 Corinthians 10:31). Question: What are others learning about God by your life and lip?

In the end every creature will acknowledge that Jesus Christ is LORD (i.e., that He is the God-man, Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the dead. See Philippians 2:11; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4.) He is the One in Whom our faith and trust must rest if we are to be saved. We are NOT saved by our good works, or by our faith PLUS our good works lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). The Scriptures do not teach the “universal salvation” of all men and fallen angels.

We’re here to assist those who would like to be assured of spending eternity in heaven with God rather than in hell with the devil and his angels/demons (1 John 5:13; Romans 8:16; Matthew 25:41, 46). We also want to help believers grow spiritually, serve God joyfully, and reproduce themselves (2 Peter 3:18; Matthew 28:19, 20).

We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

[1] “Theocentric vs Anthropocentric” https://www.gotquestions.org/theocentric.html

[2] Spiritual Gifts – https://www.kelseypeach.com/bible-basics

[3] Bible Study Book Marker and Dispensations Chart –

Click to access 08892a_ce5bb78881fa4f50a6c866dd9ab0adfe.pdf

[4] The Devil – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2014/06/20/the-devil-fallacies-facts/

A Pebble In Your Shoe?

What’s the difference between ignorance and apathy? Don’t know; don’t care. Think about that for a few moments. There are many things about which we know little or nothing. And even if we knew about them, we wouldn’t really care one way or another because we believe other things are far more important to us – the pebble in our shoe. But ignorance and indifference can harm or kill us. (Examples: electricity, gravity, chemicals, etc.)

It’s sad that many people, including children, are being stupefied with all kinds of legitimate and illegitimate drugs instead of with natural remedies that have fewer side effects. This problem will intensify during the upcoming seven years of “The Tribulation.” [1] (See Revelation 9:21; 18:23)

Many people are also mesmerized and lulled into spiritual sleep by the devil and are apathetic toward God and His Word (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19). Many are lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people [we’re to] turn away! (2 Timothy 3:2-5).

Maybe the apathetic person you meet has an irritating pebble in his shoe that keeps him distracted so that he rarely, if ever, thinks about God. Perhaps the devil put it there (2 Corinthians 12:7).

A. W. Tozer wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us…Worship is pure or base as the worshiper entertains high or low thoughts of God….For this reason the gravest question before the Church is always God Himself, and the most portentous [amazing or intriguing] fact about any man is not what he at a given time may say or do, but what he in his deep heart conceives God to be like.” – The Knowledge of the Holy

Here are a few basic perspectives on the question of God’s existence. [2] Which one of these beliefs describes you the best?

Atheism, Agnosticism, Theism, and Deism

1) atheism: the belief that God (or gods) do not exist

2) agnosticism: the belief that there is not enough evidence to prove or disprove the existence of God – ‘we just don’t know’

3) theism: the belief that there is a God (or gods) with whom we may relate

4) deism: belief in the existence of a supreme being, specifically of a creator who does not intervene in the universe.

But here is another one that should be added to this list.

5) apatheism. It is the view that whether or not God (or gods) exist is not that important. An ‘apatheist’ doesn’t take a position on the question of God—he or she simply doesn’t care.

It’s important to note that your belief will affect the way you talk or don’t talk to others about God. Are you a “Professing Christian” who is quite content and comfortable in the life you are now living? Perhaps you expect the “professionals” (Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, Deacons) to do the work of evangelism rather than your getting involved in it yourself.

The early Jewish Christians knew what Jesus had told them to do – “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

But for a long time they hesitated to reach out to non-Jews with the Gospel until God put “a fire under them” in the person of Saul, the persecutor of Christians (Acts 9:1 ff; 1 Corinthians 15:9; Galatians 1:13), who later became the Apostle Paul (Acts 13:9), and the steward (household manager) of the “Dispensation of Grace” in which we now live (Ephesians 3:1 ff). [3]

Carnal Christians, who are manifesting “the works of the flesh,” (which are all perversions of good things – Galatians 5:19-21), usually won’t be interested in being obedient to the Lord’s command. In fact, they shouldn’t witness to lost people until they’ve confessed their known sins to God the Father and have claimed His forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13; James 5:16). Failure to confess all our known sins to Him can result in severe discipline (1 Corinthians 11:27-32; Hebrews 10:31; 12:5 ff; James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16).

Once we’ve made things right with God and others whom we’ve offended (James 5:16; Romans 12:18), we need to walk by means of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 25), and be “filled with the Spirit” by allowing Him to make up where we are lacking in Christ likeness (Ephesians 5:18). When we’re rightly related to God the Holy Spirit, He will produce “The Fruit of the Spirit” in our lives (Galatians 5:22, 23). Then we become responsible to direct it toward the right objects, for the right reasons, and at the right time. [4]

Sometimes, when we’re dealing with unsaved people, they will show little or no interest in spiritual things. They’re apathetic. I also have encountered people who were hostile to me when I tried to talk to them about God and the Gospel. If they’re offended, I want them to be offended by the Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:18-25; 2:14) rather than with me because of my ineptness or carelessness.

Perhaps they’ve had a bad experience with “religion” and “religious people.” Rather than trying to “cram the Gospel down their throat,” showing “agape” love and kindness to them might open up a future opportunity to talk to them about God’s amazing grace and the salvation He provides for all mankind (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2). After all, it’s the goodness [kindness] of God [that] leads [people] to repentance [i.e., a change of mind] (Romans 2:4). [5] Do you love people as God does (John 3:16)?

Sometimes I like to leave a clear Gospel tract with people. (It can be like a “pebble in a shoe.”) I often use a tract that I wrote about the death of our late son, Bill, as an “ice breaker.” [6] I’ve found many people who have had similar circumstances with the loss of a loved one or friend.

If you distribute “Gospel tracts,” [7] make sure that they include the facts of the Gospel – that Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Don’t use those that leave out Christ’s bodily resurrection as many Gospel tracts do. Make sure that they clearly state that the only condition for their salvation / deliverance from hell to heaven is for them to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, through the Gospel…” so they can/will be saved (Acts 16:31). When a person believes, he repents (i.e., changes his mind about God, himself, and how he must be saved). Our “good works” have no part in our being saved (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5; Isaiah 64:6).

If you have been saved by God’s grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, through the message of the Gospel, but have been involved in “apatheism,” confess this to God and then, with His help, become a F.A.T.F.R.E.E. Christian. (Faithful, Available, Teachable, Flexible, Evangelistic, and Enthusiastic). [8]

We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to grow spiritually. If you’d like additional spiritual help, we can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

We’d appreciate your help by SHARING this information with others. If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

For further study to show yourself approved to God (2 Timothy 2:15), we invite you to read the following articles:

[1] The Tribulation –

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2014/01/30/the-order-of-coming-events/

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2014/02/08/the-order-of-coming-events-part-3/

[2] Basic Perceptions – https://thelogcollege.wordpress.com/2023/01/28/witnessing-in-an-age-of-apathy/

[3] Dispensations Chart – https://www.kelseypeach.com/_files/ugd/08892a_ce5bb78881fa4f50a6c866dd9ab0adfe.pdf

[4] Fruit of the Spirit – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2022/01/07/be-like-jesus/

[5] Repentance –

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/02/28/repentance-the-most-misunderstood-word-in-the-bible/

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2021/11/25/repentance-what-it-is-isnt/

[6] The Death Of Our Son – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2016/04/12/the-death-of-our-son/

[7] Gospel Tracts – https://www.biblebelievers.com/Torrey3.html

http://bartimaeus.us/pub_dom/monographs.html

[8] F.A.T.F.R.E.E. https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/the-f-a-t-f-r-e-e-test/

The Gospel by which we are saved –

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/the-bad-news-the-good-news/

Bible Panorama

Have you, like I, ever made some New Year’s Resolutions only to fail to keep them after a short time? I have. Maybe you had full intentions to read through the Bible in one year but quit before long. Maybe you were never shown the “Big Picture” before you got started or weren’t told how to interpret the Bible. Maybe you got confused by the seeming contradictions in the Bible and failed to understand the distinctions between the Jews and the Church. Or perhaps you had some other reason for quitting. If you still have a desire to do this, may we suggest a few things?

If you are not a Christian yet, the first thing you need to do is “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day. If you do this, you will be saved eternally” (See Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Ephesians 2:8, 9).

If you’ve been saved, the following information may be for you. It’s designed for Christians who are faithful, teachable, and willing to change and grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). It’s designed to help such people understand the Bible better to find out what God, man’s Creator, wants us to know and do: (1) How we got here. (2) What are we supposed to be doing on earth. (3) Where we’ll go when we die.

I’ve been making it a point to read through the whole Bible in a year and I have been doing it for over 50 years. I also like to listen to the reading of the Scriptures and memorize sections of it. (If you’re interested in doing this, ask for more information.) I learn something new each time I read or listen to it being read.

It’s a wonderful treasure from God. Instead of feeling like “I have to read it,” I feel like “I want to and get to read it.” Many people in the world don’t have a Bible to read. They don’t know that God loved them and gave His only begotten Son to them to die in their place for their sins and rose again bodily from the grave so He could save them from the lake of fire and take them to heaven (John 3:16). If you’ve been saved, will you help us get this “Good News” out to such people?

By spending 1% of your day (about 15 minutes each day), you can read through the entire Bible in a year. You can listen to it being read as you drive your car to work or as you relax in a chair. I have several Study Bibles in my library. I especially like the Scofield Study Bible. (If you’re interested in learning more about it, ask us.)

The Bible is a collection of 66 books in one book. There are 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament. All of the Bible is for Christians, but not all of it is addressed to us. There are doctrines / teachings in it that are to be believed but not practiced, and other teachings that are for us to believe and practice (Titus 1:9). Example: The dietary rules for the Jews, and their sacrifices are different than those for Christians. There are different promises to be claimed or not claimed.

There are different sets of “Household Rules” called “Dispensations” for different people living in different times throughout human history. They are NOT different ways to be saved. Salvation is always by God’s grace through faith in God. (See above.)

While an unbeliever can understand the historical information found in the Bible, the deep truths of it can be understood only by believers who have God the Holy Spirit as their Divine Teacher. He can illuminate our minds to the truth that is found in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 2:9-16; 1 John 2:27).

To help you get a visual picture of human history from the beginning to the end, we have a FREE Bible Study Book Marker with a Dispensations Chart on it along with other helpful information. (May we suggest that you make a copy of it for yourelf on light colored paper and fold it and keep it in your Bible?) https://www.kelseypeach.com/_files/ugd/08892a_ce5bb78881fa4f50a6c866dd9ab0adfe.pdf

The following three short “Bible Panorama” articles will supplement the Chart:

“Bible Panorama” Part 1

“Bible Panorama” Part 2

“Bible Panorama” Part 3

Contact us if you have questions and/or comments. We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to grow in the sphere of grace (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. Please SHARE this information with others.

My Shameful Past

When the devil reminds me of my sins (lawless behavior) and SHAMEFUL PAST, I remind him of his PAINFUL FUTURE in the lake of fire forever (Matthew 25:41).

“Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.” – Mark Twain. Think about that. Isn’t it true of you? It is of me. But God, Who is omniscient, knows everything about us and nothing is hidden from Him (Isaiah 46:10; John 2:24, 25). And yet He loved us (John 3:16).

My friend, you and I don’t have to join the devil in the lake of fire. We can be judicially forgiven when we place our faith and trust in Christ alone, Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). If you’ve never done this, believe on Him now. “Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1; See James 4:14). There are no more opportunities to be saved from the lake of fire once you’re dead. No reincarnation either.

We are NOT saved by our good works, or by our faith PLUS our good works lest we should boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). Man’s religions require good works for salvation.

Once we’ve been saved and received God’s gift of eternal life / God’s quality of life (John 1:12; 3:16, 5:24)), we can begin to do good works for the glory of God and for the good of others (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 6:10).

By our good works we demonstrate to others that we belong to God and are a part of His family rather than the devil’s family (James 1:22; 2:18-20; John 8:44; 1 John 3:8-10). If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? If not, why?

I, like many others, am very thankful for the words to this song:

Calvary covers it all,
My past with its sin and stain;
My guilt and despair
Jesus took on Him there,
And Calvary covers it all. [1]

By Ethel Taylor

The Apostle John wrote, “My little children [Christians], these things I write to you, so that you may not [keep on sinning]. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation (satisfaction) for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:1, 2).

We, as Christians, don’t have to keep on sinning (acting lawlessly). God has “made a way of escape” for His children so we don’t yield to sinful temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13). We can live victoriously over our three spiritual enemies: the devil, the present world system, and our own sin natures. Learn more below. [2]

Sinners, Saved By Grace

Even though you’ve been saved, do you sometimes feel like God couldn’t possibly use you because you continue to sin periodically? Remember:

~ Noah was a drunk

~ Abraham was too old

~ Isaac was a daydreamer

~ Jacob was a liar

~ Leah was ugly

~ Joseph was abused

~ Moses had a stuttering problem 

~ Gideon was afraid

~ Samson had long hair and was a womanizer

~ Rahab was a prostitute

~ Jeremiah and Timothy were too young

~ David was an adulterer and a murderer

~ Elijah was suicidal

~ Isaiah preached naked

~ Jonah ran from God

~ Naomi was a widow

~ Job went bankrupt

~ John the Baptist ate bugs

~ Peter denied Christ

~ The disciples fell asleep while praying

~ Martha worried about everything

~ The Samaritan woman was divorced (more than once)

~ Zacchaeus was too small

~ Paul was too religious

~ Timothy had an ulcer

~ Lazarus was dead!

When we sin as Christians, we need to confess our sins to God our Father, and then claim His family forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13). We don’t lose our salvation when we sin (John 10:28, 29; Philippians 1:6); We lose our family fellowship (1 John 1:6, 7).

With God’s help, let’s become F.A.T.F.R.E.E. Christians. Take the test. (Click below.) [3]

We’ll only be here for just a little while longer (2 Timothy 4:6; James 4:14; 2 Peter 1:12-15) to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and grow (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). Contact us if you have questions and/or comments. Please let us know if this or other articles or talks have helped you. We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

Other articles, which may be of interest to you, can be found at www.kelseypeach.wordpress.com. Some of our talks can be found on Youtube or on our Facebook page.

[1] Calvary Covers It All https://wordwisehymns.com/2013/06/19/calvary-covers-it-all/

[2] Victorious Living: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/03/22/tested-and-tried-daily/

[3] F.A.T.F.R.E.E. Test: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/the-f-a-t-f-r-e-e-test/

Where Do I Start?

After people “get saved,” when they believe on the Lord Jesus Christ through the message of the Gospel, they are often encouraged to read the Bible (let God talk to you), pray (you talk to God), and witness to others about Christ. This all sounds like a good idea. But we believe that new believers need some help in these areas so they don’t get disappointed, discouraged, and begin to have doubts.

Like newborn babies, we all should start out with the “milk of the Word” and then go on to “solid food” (1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:12-14). Older, more mature believers can be a great asset to newer Christians (Galatians 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).

If you’ve been saved for some time, what are you doing to help rather than hinder new believers? How much spiritual growth has taken place in your life? Maybe you need this information too.

Do you know that Christians have “Eight Ways To Communicate With God” and that the Bible has “Seven Distinct Rules For Living” for different people living in different times?

If you’ve been saved by God’s grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for your sins…and rose again bodily from the dead, [1] you’ll want to help your family, friends, and fellow workers get saved from everlasting condemnation (John 3:18; Romans 8:1) so they can join you in heaven some day? Did you know that Christians can earn the “Crown of Rejoicing” for having a part in the salvation of others (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20)? [2]

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out [not for] your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12, 13). Imagine that – He energizes us to do the things that will please Him. It should be our goal in life to please and glorify God by making Him known to others (2 Corinthians 5:9; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

Sadly, many Christians quench Him (i.e. render Him inoperative in their lives) and grieve Him by sinning – acting lawlessly (1 Thessalonians 5:19; Ephesians 4:30; 1 John 3:4). Are you doing this? If so, confess it to Him, claim His forgiveness, and move on toward spiritual maturity (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13).

Our FREE “Bible Study Book Marker” [3] was designed to help you and others gain assurance of your salvation, to help you get the most out of God’s Word by using our “Bible Study Aids,” and to communicate with God more effectively (How To Pray), and to know what portions of the Bible are for you and which are addressed to you (See our “Dispensations Chart”).

All of the Bible is truth (John 17:17). It even records the lies of the devil and other people. It is what God wants us to know for now. In His Word, God “has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:3, 4).

All of the Bible needs to be believed, but not all of it is to be believed and practiced (Titus 1:9). Example: Dietary rules and types of sacrifices offered to God by the Jews differ from Christian rules (Leviticus 11; 1 Timothy 4:4; Hebrews 9:13; 10:4; 13:15, 16).

May we suggest that you download a copy of our FREE Bible Study Book Marker for yourself on light colored paper and make some additional copies for those who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18)? Keep one in your Bible as a handy reference guide.

Contact us here or through our website if you have questions or would like additional help: www.kelseypeach.com. If this information has helped you, please let us know. And if you would like to get future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

[1] Gospel Presentations – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2022/02/16/gospel-presentations/

[2] Crowns – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2018/07/12/whats-free-whats-earned/

[3] FREE Bible Study Book Marker: https://www.kelseypeach.com/_files/ugd/08892a_ce5bb78881fa4f50a6c866dd9ab0adfe.pdf

[4] Final Test Questions: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/11/02/the-test-questions/

Precious Promises – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/01/promises-for-christians-to-claim-2/

Need A Good Study Bible? We recommend the “Scofield Study Bible.” Ask for more information.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  

Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

“They Killed His Prophets”

The Apostle Paul told Timothy, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Therefore, beware of false teachers.

Rebels. The rebellious, unbelieving, Old Testament Jews warned the Prophet Jeremiah and said, “Do not prophesy in the name of the LORD, lest you die by our hand” (Jeremiah 11:21). The Apostle Paul said, “[The unbelieving Jews] killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost” (1 Thessalonians 2:15, 16; See Stephen’s accusation of the Jewish leaders – Acts 7:51-53).

Note: God holds all mankind, not just the Jews, responsible for the death of Christ (Acts 4:23-28; 5:28-32). You and I also are responsible for His death. Some people falsely believe that the Church has replaced Israel. [1] But God isn’t done with them yet (See Romans 11:1 ff).

The Dominant Cry Of Today in much of Christendom seems to be, “Tell us what we want to hear, not what God wants us to hear, know, and practice.” They want a “garbled Gospel” that conveys to them the idea that God was/is really lucky to get them on His side since they are such worthy and wonderful people. No! No! No! (Read Romans 3:10-23.)

The Pure Gospel is “Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again bodily on the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). [2] Those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, through this message, will be saved (Acts 16:31). We are NOT saved by our good works or by our faith PLUS our good works which is taught in many “churches” and in other religions (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in the Christ of the Scriptures alone, and for God’s glory alone.

Confused. Far too many Christians who have genuinely been saved don’t understand the Bible or they think it’s very confusing and contradicts itself. Perhaps they haven’t been taught that there is a difference between “doctrines (teachings) that are to be believed and practiced,” as opposed to “doctrines (teachings) that are to be believed but not practiced” (Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 4:1-4).

Value. From the Old Testament, Christians can learn much about the characteristics (attributes) of God which don’t change (Exodus 3:14; Hebrews 13:8), the sinful nature of man (Jeremiah 17:9), negative examples to avoid (1 Corinthians 10:1-13), and that God is trustworthy to keep the unconditional promises that He makes to people (Romans 15:4).

Promises. How many of them do you know and claim? [3] Don’t try to claim those that aren’t for you or you’ll probably become very disappointed and angry toward God. Avoid the “Health, Wealth, and Happiness Preachers” who twist the Scriptures to mislead greedy people (2 Peter 3:16).

“Dispensationalism” has been under attack for a long time even by those who claim to be “fundamentalists” (i.e. those who believe in the fundamental (basic) teachings of the Bible). “Dispensations” deal with the “Rules for Living” for people who live at different times in human history. (They are NOT different ways to be saved.) Dispensations are the result of a normal, literal, historical, grammatical interpretation of the entire Bible. Contrast “Ages.” [4]

Law, Grace, Kingdom. It’s not hard to see that the “Rules for Living” for the Jews living under “The Law” that were given to Moses on Mt. Sinai, are distinct and different from the “Rules for Living” for Christians who live under “Grace” principles. The “Rules for Living” for those who will enter Christ’s Kingdom Reign over the earth for 1,000 years (“Sermon on the Mount” Matthew 5-7) are more intense than those given to the Jews of Old Testament times (See Matthew 5:21, 22, 27, 28, 31, 32 et al).

Source. All the “Rules for Living” come from the same Source, God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. They are designed to prove to mankind that no matter what “Rules for Living” God imposes on some or all of mankind, they cannot please God as long as they act independently of Him (John 15:5; Romans 8:8). (See our FREE “Bible Study Book Marker”on our website for more information.) [5]

Examples: The Jews, living in Old Testament times, had a very restrictive diet (Leviticus 11). Christians under Grace are free to eat anything for which they can give thanks (1 Timothy 4:1-5). Old Testament Jews offered bloody sacrifices to God (Leviticus 1:5-15; Hebrews 9; 10); Christians offer up spiritual, non-bloody sacrifices (Romans 12:1, 2; Hebrews 13:15, 16). Israel had a priesthood that was specific to the tribe of Levi (Numbers 3:6-7), whereas all Christians are priests to God (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:6). There are other differences too. Law, Grace, and Kingdom Rules are very distinct from each other (Romans 6:14, 15). Knowing this can keep confusion at bay.

Non-Christians. If you’re not a Christian and would like to be saved from eternal condemnation (John 3:16, 18, 36; Romans 8:1), you must believe in/on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).

Christians. If you’ve been saved, how much spiritual growth has taken place in your life (2 Peter 3:18)? Are you a “carnal Christian” (1 Corinthians 3:1 ff) who needs to confess your sins to God and then claim His forgiveness and move on to spiritual maturity (1 John 1:9; See Hebrews 5:12-14)? Continuing to live a carnal lifestyle could lead to a premature, painful, physical death (1 Corinthians 11:30; James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16).

Our Purpose In Life is to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31) by making Him known to others so they have Someone in Whom they can believe and be saved. Having done this, we want to help young Christians be assured of their salvation (Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13), to grow (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18), to serve other believers (primarily) with their spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10; Galatians 6:10), and to reproduce themselves (Matthew 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8).

Help. We’re here to offer assistance to those who are teachable, willing to change, and then grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). Figuratively speaking, we’ve been through some “raging rivers” and on “rugged mountain paths.” But we’ve been comforted and encouraged by God through His Word and by some of His choice servants, and so we want to extend God’s comfort to you if you long for it (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4).

Contact. We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

If this has been a help and encouragement to you, please LIKE and SHARE it with others. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

[1] Replacement Theology –  https://www.gotquestions.org/replacement-theology.html

[2] Gospel Presentations –  https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2022/02/16/gospel-presentations/

[3] Promises – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/01/promises-for-christians-to-claim-2/

[4] “Age” – “An indefinite period of time in which God gives a specific revelation of Himself designed to relate a truth concerning His nature, desires, or antipathies to His creatures. An age, therefore, may run concurrent with a dispensation or may precede or follow the dispensations (Ephesians 2:7).” – Dr. H. L. Schafer

[5] FREE Bible Study Book Marker & Dispensations Chart – https://www.kelseypeach.com/_files/ugd/08892a_ce5bb78881fa4f50a6c866dd9ab0adfe.pdf

[6] Spiritual Gifts – https://www.kelseypeach.com/bible-basics

“Sermonettes” – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2018/08/10/sermonettes-for-christianettes/

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  

Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

“The Words Of My Mouth”

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Your sight,

O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.”

Psalm 19:14

“Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, or to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate, and to humble.” They can be used to build others up or bludgeon them down. All too often we are careless with our words.

James, the Lord’s half brother wrote, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19, 20).

The Apostle Paul pointed out that Christians ought to “speak the truth in [agape] love” (Ephesians 4:15). Sometimes the truth is very painful. Being told by your Doctor that you have a terminal illness is painful but it could help you and me “get our lives in order.” “You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.” For what would you be willing to die? “…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Then what and where?

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God [a Christian] may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).

Within its pages we find our “Rules for Living” and everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). God is the One who determines what is right and wrong. When everyone does what is right in his/her own eyes, chaos and disaster happens (Judges 21:25; Genesis 6:5).

When a spiritually maturing Christian, who is rightly related to God (1 John 1:9; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18), sees another Christian engaged in a trespass (usually a bad attitude) that could lead to sin (an act of lawlessness – 1 John 3:4) and possibly to a premature, physical death (Acts 5:1 ff; 1 Corinthians 11:30; James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16), the maturing believer who truly loves the other person should try to restore the one who is headed in the wrong direction by pointing out to the individual the danger that he/she faces as a result of sinful behavior (Galatians 6:1; Romans 8:6). Sin has consequences; often very painful ones.

How Addictive Is Sin?

“Sin will take you/me farther than we want to go.

Sin will keep you/me longer than we want to stay.

Sin will cost you/me more than we want to pay.”

Original source unknown. [1]

Unsaved people love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil (John 3:19). They need to know and believe that we genuinely love and care about them and their eternal destiny. We can/should share with them what God says about us in our sinful condition. [2]

“For God [the Father] so loved the [sinful people of the] world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting [eternal] life.” [3] “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God,”…“He who believes in the Son has everlasting [eternal] life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:16, 18, 36).

Hope. Yes, there is hope for any and all sinners who place their faith and trust in Christ alone Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day. This is the Gospel (Good News). [2]

Note these words: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; See also Revelation 21:8). Yes, God can change anyone’s life and turn ashes into something beautiful (Isaiah 61:3).

There is one sin, the sin of unbelief in Christ as personal Savior, through the message of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4;John 16:8-11) that will cause a person to be eternally separated from God in the Lake of Fire (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46).

A Christian, who has God’s (agape) love in his/her heart (2 Corinthians 5:14), wouldn’t want anyone, including his/her worst enemy, to go there. Consider the Apostle Paul’s desire for his fellow Jews (Romans 9:1-5).

Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem because most of the Jews rejected Him as their Messiah (Matthew 23:37; John 1:11). The weeping Prophet Jeremiah wanted his people, the Jews, to avoid the disaster that was going to come on them if they didn’t believe and turn back to God. The Apostle Paul wept as he warned Christians about false teachers who were telling sinners that they were fine when they weren’t (Philippians 3:18; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Acts 20:31).

Everyone will spend eternity either with God or with the devil and his angels/demons in the Lake of Fire (John 14:1-3; Matthew25:41, 46). Some believers will enjoy heaven more than others (1 Corinthians 3:11-15); some unbelievers will suffer more in the Lake of Fire than others (Matthew 10:15; Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:11-15).

God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, left heaven to come down to earth to glorify God by making the Godhead known to mankind (John 1:1-18; John 17:4). This involved His being born of the virgin, Mary (Matthew 1:23), living a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15), dying as a Substitute for our sins…and rising from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4), so He could save any and all who place their faith and trust in Him alone, apart from their good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9;Titus 3:5).

Questions. How do you honesty think God would evaluate the words that come out of your mouth? Would they please Him (2 Corinthians 5:9), or grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30)?

Before we speak, let our words pass through three gates:

It is True? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?

Help. We’re here to offer assistance to those who are teachable, willing to change, and then grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). We’ve been through some “raging rivers” and on “rugged mountain paths.” But we’ve been comforted by God through His Word and some of His choice servants, and so we want to extend God’s comfort to you if you long for it (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Ask about “Barnabas Notes.”

We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

If this has been a help and encouragement to you, please LIKE and SHARE it with others. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

[1] The Pleasures of Sin – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2021/07/02/the-pleasures-of-sin/

The Truth… https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2021/07/03/the-truth-will-set-you-free/

Your Heart… https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2018/08/01/your-hearts-condition/

Sin… https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2018/02/04/bible-basics-lesson-18-sin/

[2] The Bad News & The Good News – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/the-bad-news-the-good-news/

[3] The Gospel In A Nutshell – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2015/05/21/the-gospel-in-a-nutshell/

Other Articles and A Book:

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2018/11/29/my-mothers-prayers/

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2021/04/30/our-words-their-effect-on-others/

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2014/10/16/the-words-of-my-mouth/

Charles R. Swindoll, Touching Others With Your Words. The Art and Practice of Successful Speaking

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  

Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

Know The Difference – “2 Us or 4 Us?”

Without knowing this information, the Bible will remain a confusing Book which seems to contradict itself. God used some godly, human teachers (Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 13:7, 17) to point out this truth to me that I hadn’t seen before. I’d like to share it with you. Bible reading, memorizing it, and meditating on it became a joy, not a burden or an obligation.

Within the pages of the Scriptures there are two kinds of doctrines (teachings): Those to be “believed and practiced,” and those that are to be “believed but NOT practiced.” While all the Scriptures are for (4) Christians, not all of it is addresses to (2) us.

Below you will find links to Pastor Richard Schafer’s outline and teaching on this subject and our FREE Bible Study Book Marker with our “Dispensations Chart.” You will find a link to some Gospel presentations which we hope you find helpful.

We’re here to help those who are teachable and willing to change and grow (2 Timothy 2:2; 3:16, 17). If you have questions and/or comments, we can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com

Read: http://gracelifebaptistchurch.us/messages/richardschafer/Sunday/RSchafer_2019-09-29_TwoWordsForDoctrine.pdf

Listen: http://gracelifebaptistchurch.us/messages/richardschafer/Sunday/RSchafer_2019-09-22_TwoWordsForDoctrine.MP3

FREE Bible Study Book Marker with Dispensations Chart: https://www.kelseypeach.com/_files/ugd/08892a_ce5bb78881fa4f50a6c866dd9ab0adfe.pdf

Here is the information an unsaved person needs to know and believe to be saved:

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2022/02/16/gospel-presentations/

Puzzles – Life’s Full Of Them

Some people like to pass the time by working on puzzles. I prefer to work on puzzles that are found in the Scriptures. Believe me, I’ve been studying the Bible for over 60 years and there are still many things I don’t understand. I never want to stop studying or learning new things from God’s Word and applying them to my life. By the way, even in eternity future believers will keep on learning new things from God (Ephesians 2:7). At the Rapture we become like Christ’s glorified humanity, not little gods to repopulate other worlds.

God’s Word tells believers to “Be diligent [study] to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Why? “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God [God breathed], and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; See Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10).

Those Christian men, with the gift of Pastor-teacher, who desire to be overseers of the Lord’s local churches, need to “[hold] fast the faithful word [Greek: “didachen” = that which is to be believed and practiced] as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine [Greek: “didaskalia” = that which is to be believed but not practiced], both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (Titus 1:9). [1]

James, Christ’s half brother, warns, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment” (James 3:1; See 2 Peter 2:1 ff; Jude 1:4 ff). But on the other side, the Apostle Peter wrote that shepherds who do God’s work God’s way will receive the “Crown of Glory” from the Lord Himself (1 Peter 5:1-4). They need to feed, guide, guard, and heal God’s sheep.

God the Holy Spirit can illuminate the minds of those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; John 7:17). Unconfessed sins grieve Him (1 John 1:9; Ephesians 4:30), and those who deny Him (say “no” to His leading) quench Him (render Him inoperative) in their lives (1 Thessalonians 5:19; 2 Timothy 2:12).

We want to glorify God by making Him known to those who are lost, telling them how to be saved [2], and by edifying believers in their faith. We have a FREE Bible Study Book Marker [1] to help those who want to understand the Bible better. Ask about it. If you have questions/comments, contact us here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

Our desire for you is the same as Paul’s desire for Timothy. “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:1, 2).

[1] When the Scriptures are interpreted normally, historically, grammatically, and contextually, we can see that God has different “Rules for Living” (Dispensations) for different people in different times. They are NOT different ways of salvation. Ask about our FREE “Dispensations Chart.”

[2] “The Bad News & Good News” https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/the-bad-news-the-good-news/

Scripture verses taken from the New King James Version.

Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved.

“A Book To Treasure”

“The Silver Spoon.” There is a story of a sophisticated couple who invited their pastor and his wife over for dinner one evening. They enjoyed their time together, and the evening was lovely. As the wife was cleaning up after the pastor and his wife had left, she noticed his silver spoon was missing. This made her wonder if her pastor had stolen her spoon. About a year later, the couple invited the pastor and his wife over for another meal. They enjoyed the evening, yet the wife had to ask. “Pastor did you steal my silver spoon last time we ate together?” To which the Pastor said, “No, I put it in your Bible.” Ouch!

Perhaps you own a nice Bible but it seldom gets read or used. Maybe you don’t realize what’s in it and how valuable it is due to the fact that no one took the time to explain some basic things to you about it.

Perhaps you are wondering – What is the Bible and how did we get it? What is its primary purpose? How many authors were involved in writing it and over how many years was it being written? What do these terms mean: revelation, inspiration, illumination? How trustworthy and authoritative is it? What part of it is merely to be believed, and how much of it is to be believed and practiced? How should it be interpreted – normally or allegorically? Where does a Christian find his/her rules for living? Why are there so many versions of the Bible?

God gave us the Scriptures to teach us about Himself, about ourselves, and why there are so many problems in our world and what He can do for us to solve them. He wants us to know that He loved us sinners and provided a Savior for us. God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day. Anyone who believes on Him alone for his/her salvation will be saved from having to spend eternity with the devil and his angels/demons in the lake of fire. We are NOT saved by our good works lest anyone should boast.

Sadly, most people will not accept God’s offer of deliverance. Have you? Do you know for sure that you will go to heaven the moment you die? Why should God let you into His heaven? Is there anything you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation? If so, what?

Here are some things that might help you understand the Bible better so you can enjoy the eternal life that God has provided for true believers:

“Understanding The Times – Dispensations Chart – Bible Study Aids” (Download this from our website.)

“How We Got Our Bible” by Dr. J. B. Hixson’s – (8 Videos)

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2qanr7iYR90xeQ8kXSQauBeAP27GtO2U

“Charting The End Times” by Drs. Tim LaHaye and Thomas Ice,

http://www.cheapestbookprice.com/prices/9780736901383-charting-the-end-times-a-visual-guide-to-understanding-bible-prophecy-tim-lahaye-prophecy-library%EF%BF%BD%EF%BF%BD

Bible Survey by Gary Tucker – http://www.biblebelievers.com/Bible_Survey.html

We invite you to read other articles on our Blog that pertain to “Bible Basics,” “Bible Prophecy,” and “Bible Study.”

If you have questions/comments, contact us through our website: www.kelseypeach.com Please SHARE this with others so they can be helped too.