Death, Taxes, & Judgment Day

Anticipatory Anxiety. It’s the fear of what might happen in the future. Many people suffer from this. “While some level of concern about the future is quite common and may be acceptable to help us make better decisions, anticipatory anxiety involves an excessive or debilitating level of worry that tends to focus on negative outcomes.” There is a Christian antidote to this found in Philippians 4:6-8.

Christ’s disciples were filled with confusion and fear when He told them that He was going to be leaving them, and that He would die on a cross instead of setting up His universal kingdom on/over the earth at that time (Matthew 16:20 ff).

The Olivet Discourse. Toward the end of His earthly ministry, after most of the Jews had rejected Him (John 1:11; 18:40; 19:15), Jesus told His disciples what they should expect to happen in the future (Matthew 24; 25).

The Upper Room Discourse. And then on the night just before He was to be betrayed by Judas, and then hung on a cross the next day to die for the sins of mankind, He told His disciples not to be troubled. Why? He said that He would go away for awhile but He would come back for them after preparing a place for them (John 14:1 ff; Revelation 21:9 ff). Had we been there, we would have been worried and fearful of dying too.

Thanatophobia. Most people fear death and what might lead up to it, and what might happen after they die. Are you curious and possibly fearful? The Scriptures tell us that “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). This is a “general rule” rather than an “absolute statement.”

Secular Humanists. Many “atheists” are anti-God “globalists.” They believe that they are “the captains of their own ships, and the masters of their own fate.” They are trying desperately to live forever on earth in perfect health without God (Psalm 2).

An Impossibility. Jesus said, “Without Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The Apostle Paul wrote, “for in Him [God] we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). And yet, these people believe that with their advanced technologies and AI they will be able to accomplish these things in the very new future in their New World Order by placing brain chips and machines in people.

A Cyborg. It is a living being whose powers are enhanced by computer implants or mechanical body parts. This is happening more and more in our day. (Example: “The Six Million Dollar Man” TV series.)

Genetic Modifications.  Believe it or not, this happened before the universal flood of Noah’s day (about 4,500 years ago), when the devil tried to pollute the human race, from which God’s Deliverer, the Messiah was to come (Genesis 3:15).

Mutations. He directed some of the fallen angels (demons) to take on humanoid form and cohabit with women. This union produced giants in the earth (Genesis 6:1-7). For doing this, these fallen angels/demons were/are confined in “Tartarus” (2 Peter 2:4). Other fallen angels/demons are free to roam the earth and possess the bodies of unbelievers, and afflict, and periodically tempt Christians to sin – act lawlessly (Mark 5:1-13; 1 Samuel 16:23; 1 Kings 22:22, 23; Ephesians 6:12-17).

Victorious Living. Thankfully, God has made it possible so that Christians don’t have to keep on habitually sinning (1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 John 2:1). Those Christians who keep on sinning can expect severe discipline from God and possibly a premature physical death (1 Corinthians 11:30; Hebrews 10:31; 12:5 ff).

Wickedness. We’re told that before the flood of Noah’s day “…the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually…So [God] said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them…But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:5-8).

A Universal Flood. It took place when God wiped out all mankind except Noah and his family who survived it. They were in the ark for about one year (Genesis 6-8).

The Rainbow.  Then God placed a rainbow in the sky as His way of saying to mankind that He would never again destroy the earth with a universal flood (Genesis 9). But, at the end of time, He will destroy and dissolve the present, polluted heavens and the earth with fire and will create new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness will finally settle down and feel at ease for all eternity (2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1). Where will you spend eternity? Are you absolutely sure?

Lawlessness. Today it reigns on the earth and it will get worse and worse until Christ returns to reign on/over the whole earth for 1,000 years after the seven year tribulation (1 Timothy 4:1 ff; 2 Timothy 3:1 ff; Revelation 11:15; 20:1-7; 22:5). The unsaved people of this world are in revolt against God (Psalm 2). This is why He will have to come back and take it back by force in the future (Revelation 19). Are you a friend or an enemy of God?

Scatter. God told the survivors of the flood (Noah and his three sons) to reproduce themselves and scatter out over the whole earth (Genesis 9:1). Defiantly, their descendants chose to disobey God and gathered together. Nimrod and others started building the “Tower of Babel” on a plain in the land of Shinar (Genesis 11:2).

Languages. Consequently, God came down and changed their common language into many languages. This caused them to halt their building project and scatter out over the whole earth (Genesis 11:5-9).

People Groups. “After the scattering of people from the Tower of Babel, genetic information was sorted and isolated into many geographic areas.” [1] The Scriptures teach us that we all came from Adam and Eve, and then from Noah and his family (Genesis 10). There is only one human race (Acts 17:26). Evolution is a “Big Lie” that the devil promotes. [2]

Evolution. Consider the full title of Charles Darwin’s book. It is “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life.” He introduced the theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection. He was a eugenicist as are many people today who want to reduce the human population down to about 500 million. (See Georgia Guidestones) Are you a eugenicist yourself without actually knowing it? Do you think that some “races” are inferior to others?

Continents. Not long after the universal flood, the single continent began to split apart into several continents during the days of a man named Peleg (Genesis 10:25). Continental shifts are still going on today, but at a much slower rate. This is why we have earthquakes. (BTW – Two of our children were living in Japan when the 9.0 earthquake occurred there in 2011. I watched the tsunami happening on TV.)

Death. God had told Adam that if he ate the fruit from “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,” he would die physically and spiritually (Genesis 2:17). Deceived by the devil, Eve and then Adam ate it. This is why there is so much suffering and death in the world today (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). The people living before the flood of Noah’s day lived much longer than we do today (See Genesis 5.). This may have been due to the atmospheric conditions on earth, but eventually they died too (Genesis 5).

Exceptions. There were two men in the Old Testament times who didn’t die physically: Enoch (Genesis 5:24), and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11). They were transferred into another realm, and placed in the Paradise section of Sheol/Hades, which was located, at that time, in the heart of the earth (Luke 16:19-31; 23:43; Matthew 12:40).

Intermediate Bodies. The bodies they had on earth were changed temporarily to accommodate their new environment. [3] Not until Christ’s bodily resurrection from the dead, and His ascension back into heaven, were Old Testament believers allowed into the Paradise section of the third heaven where God resides (John 3:13; Ephesians 4:8-10; 2 Corinthians 12:4).

Another Exception. There will be another group of people who won’t die physically: The New Testament Christians who will be alive at the time of Christ’s return for them in the Rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). If you are an unbeliever at the time this takes place, you will be left behind to enter “The Seven Years Of Tribulation” (Revelation 6-19; See Daniel 9:27).

The First Resurrection. While there are several resuscitations back to life which are recorded for us in the Bible, and they even happen today, Jesus Christ is the only One thus far Who has risen from the dead with a glorified body never to die again. His bodily resurrection guarantees the bodily resurrection of all human beings who have died. There will be several other resurrections that will take place at different times in the future (1 Corinthians 15:20-24, 51, 52; Daniel 12:1-3, 12; Jeremiah 30:9; Revelation 11:11, 12). In which one will you participate?  [4]

The Rapture. It will occur after “all whom the Father has given to the Son” have come to Him and been saved (John 6:37), by believing in/on the Lord Jesus Christ through the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Acts 16:31). They will also need to do some praiseworthy works which Jesus, the righteous Judge can/will reward (1 Corinthians 4:5; 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). If you’re saved, are you doing the good works that God planned for you to do (Ephesians 2:10: 1 Peter 4:10)?

Good Works. There are no good works that an unsaved person can do to be saved (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). Salvation is a free gift from God that Christ purchased for us by dying for our sins…and rising from the dead (1 Peter 1:19). Have you received by faith the gift of eternal life yet (John 3:16, 18, 36)? If not, why not now?

The Body & Bride Of Christ. The spiritual “Body Of Christ – The True Church” (1 Corinthians 12:12, 13) is made up of true believers from the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) until the Rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52). It becomes the “Bride of Christ” at the time of the Rapture (Ephesians 5:32).

Crowns.  While salvation and eternal life are given to all believers freely at Christ’s expense, each of the five crowns must be earned by Christians. (1) The “Incorruptible Crown” will be given out to those Christians who discipline themselves properly (1 Corinthians 9:25-27). (2) The “Crown of Rejoicing” will be given to believers who have had a part in the salvation of other people (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20). (3) The “Crown of Righteousness” will be given to Christians who love Christ’s imminent return (2 Timothy 4:8). (4) The “Crown of Life” will be given out to Christians who resist temptations even if it means physical death (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10). (5) The “Crown of Glory” will be given to faithful under-shepherds (not false shepherds) who cared for the Lord’s sheep (1 Peter 5:4). If you’re saved, how many of these crowns do you anticipate receiving?

Worthy Is The Lamb. Believers who receive these crowns can/will show their gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ for working in and through them (Philippians 2:13; 4:13). We will cast our crowns before His throne while we’re saying, “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for You created all things, and for Your pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:10, 11; 5:12).

Motives. At the “Bema Seat Judgment” for New Testament Christians, Jesus, the righteous and omniscient Judge (John 5:22; 2 Timothy 4:8), will evaluate not only our works, but also our motives and reveal why we did what we did (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10). (1) Were they done in keeping with the Holy Spirit’s leading in our lives (Romans 8:14), (2) and with His power (Philippians 3:10; 4:13)? (3) Were they done according to the rules that God set forth in His Word (2 Timothy 2:5; See Romans 3:8; 6:1)? (4) Were they done according to the will of God (Acts 21:4-14)?  (5) Did they bring glory to God or to us (1 Corinthians 10:31)? Review these often?

Anticipation. If you’re a true Christian, are eagerly waiting for the Lord’s imminent return? Perhaps Today! Are you living a life that is well pleasing to Him (2 Corinthians 5:9)? Consider the possibility that you might be among those Christians who won’t die physically.

Degrees. We may or may not experience death, but everyone, believers and non-believers will stand one day before Judge Jesus to have our works evaluated to determine our degree of pleasure throughout eternity, or our degree of suffering in the next life in the lake of fire (Matthew 10:15; 11:22; 25:21, 23, 41, 46). There is no annihilation of the wicked dead, or reincarnation mentioned in the holy Scriptures.

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to study, and who want to grow spiritually, and reproduce themselves (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). If you’re not sure that you will go to heaven immediately when you die (2 Corinthians 5:8), and would like to settle the matter once and for all (Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13), contact us through our website: www.kelseypeach.com or through our FB page.  We welcome your questions and/or comments about this article. If this has helped you, please SHARE it with others. To receive future articles as they come out in the future, click on “Follow.”

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[1] Noah, a Global Flood, and the Case Against Racism

https://answersingenesis.org/racism/noah-a-global-flood-and-the-case-against-racism

[2] Evolution – The Big Lie – (videos)

Dr. Adrian Rogers – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXdKio_Ogd8

Ray Comfort: –  https://livingwaters.com/movie/evolution-vs-god/

[3] The Comforting Hope Of An Intermediate Body, by Richard L. Schafer

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

[4] The Resurrections – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2023/03/17/good-news-we-shall-rise/

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

Other Helpful Articles

What’s Free, What’s Not? – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2018/07/12/whats-free-whats-earned/

Salvation vs. Rewards – http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/salvatio/rewards.htm

Lehman Strauss – https://bible.org/seriespage/6-future-judgment-believer

Hampton Keathley III –  https://bible.org/article/doctrine-rewards-judgment-seat-bema-christ

Jack Kelley –  https://www.raptureforums.com/spiritual-life/how-to-win-your-crowns-2/

The Order Of Coming Events – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2016/02/20/the-order-of-coming-events-2/

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

Genetic Engineering? – https://www.gotquestions.org/genetic-engineering.html

Biblical Boundaries – https://answersingenesis.org/genetics/biblical-boundaries-human-gene-editing

12 Biblical Facts About Death & Life – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2024/04/17/12-biblical-facts-about-death-life/

The Gospel Mandate

   Friend, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for all our sins (once and for all) …and rose again bodily on the third day, and you will be saved from hell to heaven (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).

   If you’ve never done this before, do it NOW! Once you’ve done this, contact us for more information so we can help you grow spiritually.

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

Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

“The O.T. Jews – N.T. Christians – Jehovah’s Witnesses”

Two Failures, One Success Story

God’s Purpose – God’s primary purpose is to glorify Himself by making Himself known to His creatures – both to spirit beings and to human beings. He wants them to know that He alone is the true and living God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things (Jeremiah 10:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3; Ephesians 3:10; Colossians 1:16, 17). He also wants us to know what He has done for us, is doing, and will do for believers and unbelievers in the future. Our eternal destiny will depend on how we respond to His offer of deliverance from hell to heaven (See John 3:18, 36).

Christ’s Prayer. In His high priestly prayer, just before He went to the cross, Jesus said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You…I [Jesus] have glorified You [made You known] on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (See John 17:1-8).

My Servant. To the Jews in the Old Testament, God said, “You are My servant, O Israel, In whom I will be glorified” (Isaiah 49:3). God also wants to be glorified through New Testament believers. To the Christians in the city of Corinth the Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

The Test. Let’s see how the Jews in the Old Testament did, and how the Christians have done so far. How will the true “Jehovah’s Witnesses” glorify God in the future?

The Old Testament Jews were placed by God in the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe to be His witnesses to the ungodly people of the world (Isaiah 43:10-12; 44:8). God gave this land to them as a permanent possession (Genesis 15:18-21). Contrary to what some religious groups are saying, the Jews in Israel today are NOT unlawful occupiers of the land. Furthermore, the Church has NOT replaced the Jews. [1] God is NOT finished with the Jewish nation even though they rejected their promised Messiah (John 1:11, 12), and had the Romans kill Him on a cruel cross (Acts 2:36; 4:10, 27; Romans 11:1 ff). God holds all men guilty of the death of Christ, not just the Jews.

Set Aside. The Jewish nation has been temporarily set aside until the “fullness of the Gentiles has come in” and been saved (Romans 11:25; See John 6:37). The Jewish nation cannot be annihilated even though there have been many attempts to do so in the past. Sadly, there will be another greater holocaust in the future because the Jews (as a whole) will refuse to bow down and worship the image of the “Man of Sin – Antichrist” even after he rescues them from Russia and her allies in the middle of the Tribulation (Matthew 24:34; Revelation 12:13 ff; 13:1-18; Ezekiel 38, 39). [2]

Failure. It’s true. The Old Testament Jews failed to glorify God as they were supposed to do and became like the heathen nations around them. They worshipped their grotesque and sensuous idols instead of the true and living God (Exodus 20:3). This was one of the reasons why they were taken out of their “Promised Land” into Babylon (Jeremiah 25:5, 6, 11, 12; Daniel 1:2; 9:2). They also failed to let the land that God gave to them rest every seventh year. This went on for 490 years and so God sent them out of it for 70 years (Leviticus 25:4, 5; 26:34; 2 Chronicles 36:21).

Another Failure. After His death and bodily resurrection, New Testament Christians were commanded by Jesus to be His witnesses to all the nations of the world (Matthew 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8). Most Christians have not done this and have left this job to “Clerical George” (the professionals) to do it for them. Thus the Gospel of God’s power to save people has not yet reached the entire world.

Gospel. The Good News that Christians are supposed to share with lost people today is that Christ died for the sins of Jews and Gentiles…and rose again bodily from the dead on the third day. Any and all those today, who place their faith and trust in Him alone, will be saved from hell to heaven (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Acts16:31; Romans 1:16, 17). No one is ever saved by his/her good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). Sadly, this message has been garbled (i.e. confused and distorted) by many believers, including Evangelists and Pastor-teachers (2 Corinthians 11:3, 4, 13-15; Galatians 1:8, 9). If you attend a church, what message are you hearing? Are you confused? Need help? Contact us.

A Success Story. But (perhaps very soon) the true 144,000 Jewish Witnesses from the 12 tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:4-8) will carry the “Gospel of the Kingdom” (i.e. the rule of the kingdom of the heavens over the earth) to all the people of the earth during the last 3 ½ years of the “Seven Year Tribulation” (Daniel 9:27). During this time, these 144,000 evangelists will be persecuted severely, (since they won’t take the “Mark of the Beast” – Revelation 13:17), but the Devil or the “Man of Sin” (Antichrist) won’t be able to kill them.

Food/Water. Anyone who believes in/on Christ (Messiah) through their message and gives one of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses some food and/or water to demonstrate their faith outwardly, will receive a reward from God (and if they survive to the end of the Tribulation physically), they will enter Christ’s millennial Kingdom to help repopulate the earth (Matthew 10:42; 24:13; 25:31-46).

Tongues. Apparently the true 144,000 “Jehovah’s Witnesses” will be able to “speak in tongues” (other known languages) without having previously studied them as some of the early Christians were able to do (Acts 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12-14). We do NOT believe that this spiritual gift is being given to New Testament Christians today since we have what God wanted us to have for now (1 Corinthians 13:8; See Ephesians 2:7). [3] We have all we need for life and godliness within the 66 books of the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:3, 4; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Titus 1:9).

Depopulation. The last 3 ½ years of the “Seven Year Tribulation” (Daniel 9:27) are known as “The Great Tribulation” (Matthew 24:21 ff) and “The Time of Jacob’s (Israel’s) Trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). During this time over ½ of the world’s population will die (Revelation 6:8; 9:15), and 2/3 of the Jews will die under the “Trumpet Judgments” (Zechariah 13:8, 9; Revelation 8-11) because of their rebellion against the true and living God Who will miraculously and graciously provide for their needs while they are in Sela/Petra in the land of Jordan (Isaiah 16:1; Matthew 24:16).

Message. It is our understanding that the future content of the “Gospel of the Kingdom” will include Christ’s death for our sins and His bodily resurrection, but it also will include the fact that Jesus is the Christ (Promised Messiah – See Matthew 16:16) Who will return to this earth, after the Tribulation, to rule and reign over it for 1,000 years. (See Daniel 2:44, 45; Matthew 3:2; 4:17, 23; Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11 ff; 20:1-7)

Dates. While we don’t set dates for the imminent return of the Lord as He promised (John 14:1-3), it sure seems like His return for His Church is very near. There are many indicators (not sign miracles) suggesting that the stage is being set for the coming of the “Seven Year Tribulation” which follows the “Rapture” of the True Church (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). [4]

The “Big Question.” It is, Have you placed your faith and trust in the only One (the Lord Jesus Christ) who can save you from hell to heaven (John 14:6; Acts 4:12)? If not, why not do so today? [5]

Beautiful Feet. You, as a Christian, can have them if you take the pure Gospel to others even though most Christians won’t do this (Romans 10:15). You also can earn the “Crown of Rejoicing” to place at Jesus’ feet when you meet Him (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 29; Revelation 4:10, 11).

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (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 Like and Share this, and click on “Follow” to receive future articles as they come out.

[1] Replacement Theology –

https://www.gotquestions.org/replacement-theology.html

Replacement Theology

The Evil of Replacement Theology

[2] Attempts to Thwart God’s Plan – https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_84.cfm

Martin Luther & Adolph Hitler – https://www.oneforisrael.org/bible-based-teaching-from-israel/martin-luther-israel-jewish-people/

[3] Spiritual Gifts – Temporary & Extant – https://www.kelseypeach.com/bible-basics

[4] The Order Of Coming Events: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2014/01/30/the-order-of-coming-events/

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

Gospel Tracts / Booklets

https://evantell-org.myshopify.com/

http://www.cleargospel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/English/English-Display-Pkg-2014.pdf

https://www.godssimpleplan.org/languages-in-print

FREE Bible Study Book Marker with Dispensations Chart –

Click to access 08892a_ce5bb78881fa4f50a6c866dd9ab0adfe.pdf

Transportation & Teleportation

“Beam me up, Scotty” can be a way of literally saying“get me out of this place” or expressing frustration with the world around you and having a desire for escape from it. One song writer of yesteryear suggested that they stop the world and let him off of it. In science fiction stories it meant to transport someone to or from a spaceship using special electronic equipment as it was in the television series Star Trek.

Transportation. It’s still a big business and millions of people are traveling to other places for business and/or for pleasure. “People movers” today include planes, trains, and automobiles. But moving sidewalks or automated driverless vehicles, are being used more and more for transporting people along limited, fixed routes, as around airports or congested urban areas. The “15 minute cities” being planned by the Luciferian globalists are not far away. What will they be like? Should you be concerned? [1] [2]

Teleportation. We’re told that this involves the act or process of moving an object or person by psychokinesis. In fiction it is the instantaneous travel between two locations without crossing the intervening space. It is a common subject in science fiction literature and in other popular culture. Will it ever happen, and if so, when?

Angelic Transportation. There are some Bible scholars who believe that good angels might be used by God to transport some of the earthly Jewish residents, who could take with them ten non-Jewish believers (Zechariah 8:23), up to the heavenly New Jerusalem during the millennium, and then bring them back down after visiting there, to live on earth again (Genesis 28:12). Some people think it will be a satellite city to lighten half the earth at a time, as the sun currently does. This will be necessary because the sun will go out completely at the end of the seven year Tribulation (Revelation 21:9ff; Matthew 24:29). Christ will be the source of light for those who live on the earth during the millennium (1 Timothy 6:16).

The Heavenly New Jerusalem. Some mathematicians have calculated that this city could be about 27,000 miles up from the surface of the earth as it circles it every day. Apparently the people living on earth will be able to see Christ in His garment of light. Some believe that He will be at the apex of this city of transparent gold (Revelation 21:18), which could be in the shape of a pyramid instead of a cube. It’s 1,500 miles square at the base, and 1,500 miles high. It also has a high wall around it and 12 gates with the names of the 12 Jewish tribes on them (Revelation 21). Why?

Webcams. Let’s come back to earth again. Since travel is getting very expensive, another option, although not the same as being in a place, is to travel by projecting yourself in your mind to another place through live TV or by means of your cell phone or webcams. Such devices could be used for good purposes but also for spying on others and gathering information to use against them. [3]

BTW. When the 2011 earthquake (9.0) and tsunami hit Japan, while two of our children were living there, and I was in California, I watched by means of live TV the tsunami pouring across the land and destroying virtually everything in its path. Thankfully, our children survived this incident. Greater earthquakes are yet to come during the Tribulation which seems to be “just around the corner” (Revelation 6:12; 11:13, 19; 16:18). My friend, where will you be when they happen?

AI. Artificial intelligence is becoming more and more popular these days. It’s nice to get information quickly by asking “Siri” a question. But this technology can be misused. The coming “Man of Sin – Anti-christ” (Revelation 13) will have access to it and will be able to use it for his own devious purposes in an effort to try to thwart “God’s Plan for the Ages.”

Transhumanism. “… [it] encourages the use of artificial enhancements to push mankind towards something ‘more than’ human. Fundamentally, it is a form of Utopianism, the belief that human beings can change themselves and create a heaven on earth. The basic idea of improving the human condition is perfectly compatible with the Bible. In fact, it’s one of the purposes of a Christian lifestyle (John 10:10). But transhumanism contradicts the Bible when it assumes that humanity is completely sovereign and capable of self-directed change without the need for God (Jeremiah 17:9).” [4] (See also Genesis 3:15; 6:1-8; 2 Peter 2:4, 5; Jude 1:6 to learn more about Satan’s attempt to thwart God’s plan of redemption for mankind through transhumanism.)

Resuscitated. After the Anti-christ is killed in a battle with Russia, which some Bible scholars believe will take place in the middle of the Tribulation (Ezekiel 38:39), [5] he will be brought back to life (resuscitated) and demand that everyone worship him as god and take his “Mark of the Beast” (Revelation 13:17). [6] The Jews will refuse to do this. They will be told to escape to Sela / Petra in Jordan (Isaiah 16:1; Matthew 24:15-22) for the last 3 1/2 years, known as “The time of Jacob’s (Israel’s) Trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).

False Peace On Earth. After signing a 7 year peace agreement with the Jews (Daniel 9:27), the Anti-christ will try to bring peace to the earth and a Paradise on earth without the true “Prince of Peace” – the Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 6:2; Isaiah 9:6, 7). At the end of the seven year Tribulation, after causing havoc on the earth, he and the false prophet, who deceived the nations (Matthew 24:5, 11), will be teleported to the lake of fire to suffer forever (Revelation 20:10; See Matthew 25:41, 46).

True Peace On Earth. When the Lord Jesus Christ, Whom most of the Jews rejected 2,000 years ago (Matthew 27:21; John 1:11), returns to the earth (Acts 1:11) after this 7 year period, and destroys all His enemies at Armageddon in northern Israel (Revelation 16:16; 19:11-21; Zechariah 14:1-15), He will set up his 1,000 reign on/over the earth as “The Prince of Peace” and “The King of kings, and Lord of lords” (Psalm 2; Isaiah 9:6, 7; Revelation 19:16; 20:1-7). The devil will be bound in the Abyss for 1,000 years. It’s located in the heart of the earth. During the millennium man’s sin nature will be curbed and all his needs will be supplied in abundance (Isaiah 2:4; 9:6, 7; 11:1ff; 35:1ff).

Unbelievers. After the works of unbelievers are judged at the Great White Throne, (at the end of time) to determine their degree of suffering in the lake of fire, all these unsaved people will be teleported to the lake of fire to suffer forever with the devil and his angels/demons (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; Revelation 11:15; 20:11-15). We hope you won’t be among them. To learn how to avoid going there, see the link below. [7]

Death. If God were to allow the “Man of Sin – Antichrist” to have more than seven years to carry out his diabolical plan, no flesh on earth would survive (Matthew 24:22). As the Scriptures predict, over 1/2 of the world’s population will die during this time from 21 plagues (Revelation 6:8; 9:15). The 10 plagues in Egypt were literal, and so are these (Exodus 7-10; Revelation 6-19). Do you know that there are globalists who want to reduce the world’s population down to 500 million people? Think about this for a few moments. [8]

Rapture. Since God is omnipotent (Revelation 1:8), He can perform miracles which involve the circumvention of the normal laws of nature. When Christ comes back for the “True Church” (John 14:1-3), He will make true Christians “His Spiritual Bride” (Revelation 21:9). He will evaluate our works to determine which crowns, rewards, and praise we will receive, and perhaps our degree of pleasure in heaven (1 Corinthians 3:9-15; 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Then He will teleport us to the heavenly New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9ff) in the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52).

Travel. It also seems that glorified New Testament Christians will be able to travel at the speed of thought just like Jesus did after His bodily resurrection from the dead (John 20:7) since our new bodies will be made like His resurrected, glorified body with garments of light (1 John 3:2). They will consist of flesh and bones, but no blood (1 Corinthians 15:50; Luke 24:36-43). We will NOT become gods to repopulate other worlds as some cults teach.

God’s Glory. When Christ was here on earth He performed many signs, wonders, and miracles to prove to us that He was/is the God-man (Acts 2:22). He came to make the Godhead known to mankind (John 1:1-18; 17:4, 5) and to provide deliverance from the lake of fire (hell) for all mankind (John 3:16, 18, 36; 1 John 2:2). Those who place their faith and trust in the Christ of the Scriptures alone, [9] apart from their good works, will be saved from eternal condemnation (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Romans 8:1).

Gospel. The “Good News” that is the power of God unto our salvation (Romans 1:16, 17), which we must believe to be saved, is that Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the dead on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Have you done this yet? If not, why not now?

Contact. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change and grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16 17; 2 Peter 3:18). If you have questions and/or comments, we can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” Please SHARE this with others who may find this information helpful and which may give them hope.

For your further consideration, we invite you to read these articles:

[1] Fifteen Minute Cities –

https://www.nowtheendbegins.com/world-economic-forum-15-minute-city/

https://www.brighteon.com/e84a916b-425d-4f69-b4a8-bfb6508aa490

[2] Luciferianism – https://www.gotquestions.org/Luciferianism.html

[3] The Shadow Government – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/about/the-nefarious-shadow-government/

[4] Transhumanism – https://www.gotquestions.org/transhumanism.html

[5] When The Russian Bear Dies – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/when-the-russian-bear-dies/

[6] The Puppet Masters – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2020/08/06/the-diabolical-puppet-master/

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

[8] Global Depopulation –

https://www.nowtheendbegins.com/bill-gates-and-eugenics-the-world-needs-fewer-people/

https://www.nowtheendbegins.com/nteb-prophecy-news-podcast-eugenics-new-world-order-bill-gates-anthony-fauci-georgia-guidestones/

https://www.nowtheendbegins.com/yuval-noah-harari-world-economic-forum-antichrist-minion/

https://grandmageri422.me/?s=+georgia+guide+stones

[9] Which Jesus Saves? – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2015/01/07/which-jesus-saves/

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

The Order Of Coming Events – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2014/01/30/the-order-of-coming-events/

“What’s A Pastor To Do?

What’s a Pastor to do? Have you ever wondered what your Pastor does?  My wife’s grandfather used to say, “They play golf most of the week and get up and talk on Sunday for about 20 minutes.” Once I was asked if the denomination supplied outlines and sermons for us to preach. I said, “Some churches may do this, but we don’t.”  Today larger churches may have multiple services each week but the messages may all be the same even though the style of music in each service may be different. When I pastored churches, I conducted four services each week but each message was different.  (Sunday School, Morning Worship Service, Sunday Night, and Mid-week service.  Some of these messages were summarized in my articles that I have on my “Blog” and were printed in the local newspaper each week.  Go to http://www.kelseypeach.wordpress.com if you’d like to read some of them.)

Biblical Qualifications. Not everyone is qualified to serve as a bishop (overseer) of a local church (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-16). Three terms are used when referring to the same individual. “Pastor-teacher” relates to the spiritual gift that God gave to some men at the moment of their salvation (Ephesians 4:11). “Elder” refers to his relative degree of spiritual maturity (1 Timothy 3:6; 5:1). “Bishop” (overseer) is associated with the role he has over a local church. Rather than being appointed by a hierarchy outside the church, we believe that each local church has the freedom to select and dismiss its own Pastors (overseers) and leaders if necessary and done Biblically. (See Acts 13:3; 1 Timothy 5:20.)

Biblical Responsibilities. Both the Apostles Peter and Paul provided us with information concerning the responsibilities of the Pastor-teachers, Bishops, Elders.  Peter’s instructions can be found in 1 Peter 5:1-4.  He told the elders to shepherd the flock.  This involves feeding, guiding, guarding, and spiritually healing those in his care.  They should function like a “spiritual pediatricians” and work in conjunction with Evangelists who are like “spiritual obstetricians” who bring new Christians into God’s family. [5]  Paul told the elders from Ephesus to “take heed to [themselves] and to the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His blood” (Acts 20:28).  While imprisoned and facing imminent death, he reminded Timothy of his duties as the pastor (overseer) of the church in Ephesus. He told him to –

Be Aware. Even though other people may be unaware of what Pastors do, God, Who is omniscient, is listening and watching everything we say and do (2 Timothy 4:1).  He even knows all about our motives (Revelation 3:8; 1 Corinthians 4:5). If a Pastor’s works measure up to God’s rules and standards (2 Timothy 2:5), he will be rewarded and receive the “Crown of Glory” (1 Peter 5:4) to cast at Jesus’ feet when every believer’s works will be judged (Revelation 4:10).  [1]  Otherwise his and our worthless works will be burned up (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10) without losing our salvation.  A Pastor-teacher’s ultimate accountability is to the Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 13:17).

Be Faithful. “…it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Those who dispense God’s truth to others must have full confidence in the truthfulness of God’s Word (John 17:17) and in His ability to keep His promises to His children (Ephesians 3:20).  [2]  Some of them are conditional and others are unconditional. There are promises in the Bible that Christians can’t claim. Some were addressed to the Jews alone. Don’t be deceived by those who teach the diabolical heresy called “Replacement Theology.” They teach that the Church has replaced Israel and that God is done with the Jewish nation.  Many “churches within Christendom,” which will become a part of the “Apostate Harlot Church,” embrace this error. (See Romans 11; Revelation 17, 18).  Question:  What do the Pastors and teachers of the church you attend believe about the future of the nation of Israel? Those who believe in “Replacement Theology” will have a part in bringing in the worst holocaust on the Jews in the coming days (Jeremiah 30:7; Zechariah 12, 14; Revelation 16:13-16).  At the end of the Great Tribulation, all nations on earth will turn on the Jews at a place in northern Israel, called Armageddon (Revelation 16:16; 19:11-21). Christ will destroy the Jewish believers’ enemies with the words He speaks. Their flesh will fall off their bones while they stand on their feet (Zechariah 14:12). Are you aware of the fact that Adolph Hitler used some of Martin Luther’s writings in which he denounced the Jews, as his justification to try to exterminate the Jews in the “final solution”? [3]  

Be Authoritative. “Preach the Word [of God with authority]” (2 Timothy 4:2). We don’t need to apologize for it. “God said it. That settles it whether we believe it or no.” All 66 books of the Bible (but not the the apocryphal books which were written between the Old and New Testaments) are God breathed and profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.  All of it is for us, but not all of it is addressed to Christians (Titus 1:9).  Its purpose is to make the [men and women] of God (i.e., Christians) complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; See Ephesians 2:10).  Are the sermons you hear in church or on radio or TV usually about pop psychology, self love, ego-boosters, and man made religions or are they the careful exposition (explanation) of God’s Word?

Be Distinctive. A Pastor needs to know and teach the differences between the Old and New Testaments, between the Mosaic Law (Exodus 19:9-Matthew 12:50), Grace Teachings for Christians (John 13-Revelation 4), and the stringent Kingdom Rules (Matthew 5-7; Hebrews 8:10) for the people who will live on the renovated earth (Isaiah 2:1-4; 11:1-9; 35:1-10) during the millennial reign of Christ on/over the earth from the “satellite” heavenly New Jerusalem (Revelation 20:1-7; 21:9-27).  This city is 1,500 miles square at the base and 1,5000 miles high, perhaps in the shape of a cube or a pyramid.  It will be the source of light for the earth during the millennium (Matthew 24:29; Revelation 21:23).  Those teachers who don’t rightly divide the Word of truth will cause many people to be confused and frustrated. (See the warning in James 3:1.)  False teachers like to allegorize the Bible and change the intended purpose and meaning of the writer, especially when the subject is Bible prophecy.  The Bible is to be interpreted literally, (i.e., normally, historically, grammatically, and contextually).  When interpreted correctly, one will realize that God has different rules for different people in different times known as “Dispensations – Rules for Living.”  They are NOT different ways for people to be saved!  (See our Dispensations Chart on our website.) [4]

Be Ready. Believers are told to “[set aside] the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).  As the need arises, the Pastor-teacher also needs to convince, rebuke, and exhort others with all long suffering and teaching (2 Timothy 2:24-26; 4:2-5; 3:16, 17). In the last days many churches will be filled with “professing Christians” (tares) who aren’t really saved, and/or with “carnal Christians” who are saved but who don’t act like Christians (1 Corinthians 3:1-4; Galatians 5:19-21). These people won’t endure or put up with sound doctrine but will follow “false teachers” who tickle their ears and tell them what they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3, 4; Isaiah 30:10).  Do you fit into one of these categories?  If you do, get Biblical help immediately from a competent counsellor.  Sadly, many people turn to “Christian counsellors” who believe that we’re saved by God’s grace through faith in the Christ of the Scriptures, but who want Christians to live according to the Mosaic Law or Kingdom Rules.  Many of them talk about the Gospel for salvation, but never tell people what it is and on Whom they need to believe in order to be saved from hell to heaven (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8-10). [6, 7]

Be Watchful.  Savage wolves, masquerading either as sheep or as angels of light, have been causing havoc in churches since its inception  (Acts 20:28-31; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15).  Jesus also warned the Jewish believers living under the Mosaic Law in His days on earth of the danger of false prophets (Matthew 7:15).  The Apostle Paul wasn’t afraid to identify them to the Christians to whom he wrote, and neither should a Pastor-teacher be afraid to do the same thing for the protection of the sheep in his care.

Be Equipping.  Many people in churches today expect the Pastor-teacher(s) and the “Paid Staff” to do all or most of the work of ministry in the local church.  No, God wants every Christian to know what his/her spiritual gift is, and use it for God’s glory and for the edification of others (1 Thessalonians 5:11; 1 Peter 4:10; Galatians 5:13).  If you’re saved, do you know what your gift is, and are you using it with love (1 Corinthians 13)?  [5]  Is this subject taught correctly in the church you attend?

Being a faithful Pastor-teacher (bishop) has many other responsibilities. There are joys and sorrows associated with the work. If you are a true Christian and have a Pastor who believes in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Bible, that Jesus Christ is God manifested in human flesh, and is the virgin born son of Mary, Who lived a sinless life, and Who died for our sins and rose again bodily from the grave, that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in the Christ of the Scriptures alone, [6] and who is teaching Christians to live according to “Grace teachings” (not the Mosaic Law or Kingdom Law), then pray for/and encourage him in the work he is doing. If not, you should look for a different Pastor and local, Bible believing church (2 Corinthians 6:14; Revelation 18:4).

Help? We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17).  If you need additional help or have Bible questions, contact us here or through our website: http://www.kelseypeach.com. Click on “Follow” to receive future articles as they come out.  Keep looking up.  Perhaps Today! [8]  Believers who love His imminent return will earn the “Crown of Righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8). [1] 

The Gospel Mandate

 Friend, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for all our sins (once and for all) …and rose again bodily on the third day, and you will be saved from hell to heaven (Acts 16:31; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4).

 If you’ve never done this before, do it NOW! Once you’ve done this, contact us for more information so we can help you grow spiritually.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version

Copyright c. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved

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

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

[3]  Anti-semitism – Luther and A. Hitler – https://www.gotquestions.org/Martin-Luther-anti-semitic.html

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

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

[6]  Which Jesus Saves?  https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2015/01/07/which-jesus-saves/

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

[8]  The Order Of Coming Events – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2014/01/30/the-order-of-coming-events/

“Good News. We Shall Rise!”

Christ’s death for the sins of all mankind, His burial for three (not four) days and nights in the tomb, His bodily resurrection from the dead, which was validated by over 500 witnesses, on ten different occasions, over a 40 day period of time, before He ascended publicly, gradually, and literally into heaven, in the presence of His disciples, with a promise to return, are the most import events in human history.

They fulfill Bible prophecy, validate the Old and New Testament Scriptures, and guarantee the bodily resurrection of all human beings who have died. Some to everlasting life with God, and others who will be separated forever from Him in the lake of fire to suffer with the devil and his angels/demons.

The Scriptures teach, and we believe –

#1 – In Life After Death

Orthodox Jews and Christians believe in life after death (John 11:24). 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…and then rise from the dead, 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). This beautiful place (the heavenly New Jerusalem, will be the home of Christ’s Bride, the glorified Church).  It is described for us in Revelation 21:9 ff.

(Before you continue reading, may we suggest that you download our FREE “Bible Study Book Marker and Dispensations Chart” to help you see where we are and when things will happen.  Get it from our website www.kelseypeach.com.)

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).

#2 – In A Bodily Resurrection

The religious Pharisees (but not the Sadducees) believed in the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6-8). 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).

 #3 – We Don’t Need To Fear Death

Many people are fearful of death and rightfully should be if they are not true 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). True Christians have hope of a better life or their “Best Life” in the future, not now as one “preacher” tells others.  This hope is not wishful thinking, but it is a confident expectation based on a promise from God.

In the Old Testament times the devil held the keys of death (Hebrews 2:14; Job 1:18, 19). 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).

#4 – We Might Be The Exception To The Rule

Death is inevitable but there are some exceptions (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23). 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 in this group if you have placed your faith and trust in the Christ of the Scriptures alone (James 2:19). Don’t be one who believes in vain (1 Corinthians 15:2).  This happens when a person puts his/her faith and trust in the wrong Christ (Mathew 24:5), or believes another Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:3, 4), or who tries to add his/her good works to faith alone in the Christ of the Scriptures alone (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5).

#5 – We Are Not 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 promised to return for them and us some day (John 14:1-6).  Avoid false teachers who deny His incarnation and His bodily resurrection (1 John 4:3; 2 John 1:7).

#6 – We Shouldn’t Let The Scoffers Trouble Us

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 and been saved and they have done some praiseworthy works for Him to reward at the “Bema Seat Judgment” (John 6:37; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 4:5; Ephesians 2:10). We can’t save people but we can have a part in this work by leading people to Christ to so they can saved (Acts 1:8; John 1:41). We can even earn the crown of rejoicing for doing this (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20).

# 7 – Our Resurrection Is Assured

Christ’s bodily resurrection also assures us of our bodily resurrection from the dead (John 14:19; 1 Corinthians 15:26, 51, 52). Every human being who has ever lived and died will one day be resurrected “in his/her own order” (1 Corinthians 15:23, 24, 51-53). The last enemy Christ will destroy is physical death (1 Corinthians 15:26). He will do this by raising up everyone who has died physically. Do you know in which resurrection will you participate? Four major resurrections are mentioned in these verses.

#8 – We Know Why People Die

Death is very ugly and brings sorrow to so many people. It all started in the Garden of Eden when Eve and then Adam 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 the time of physical death the immaterial soul and spirit are separated from the body. Spiritual death (separation from God) took place the moment they ate the forbidden fruit. Physical death happened later (Genesis 5).  They had no idea of the suffering that would follow in the generations to come.

#9 – We Will Get A Garment Of Light

We believe that 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 Jewish believers will get their garments of light seven years later when they are raised from the dead to live on the refurbished earth (Daniel 12:2, 12; Isaiah 40:4; Luke 3:5).  After Christ’s 1,000 year rule of the heavens over the earth (Daniel 2:44, 45; Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Revelation 20:1-7), Jesus Christ, the God-man will destroy the present heavens and earth and create new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness will finally settle down and feel at ease (2 Peter 3:10-13).  The Jewish believers are promised a new world (Matthew 5:5; Romans 4:13).  Christians are citizens of heavens (Philippians 3:20).

#10 – We Should Expect Opposition

Some people believe that there is only one general resurrection at the end of time rather than several resurrections of the dead as the Scriptures teach (1 Corinthians 15:23, 24; Acts 4:1-5). The Apostle Paul insisted that the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead be included in the Gospel message (2 Timothy 2:8-10). The sensual philosophers 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 be 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 true and living God (Romans 12:14; Hebrews 9:27; 10:31). Most people love darkness rather than light (John 3:19).

#11 – We Received A New Heart/Nature By Faith

Man’s heart (nature) is deceitful and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-23). We all need to be born again from above to receive a new one. God gives us one when we trust in Christ alone as our personal Savior (John 3:3; 2 Peter 1:4). But believers still retain their old heart (sin nature) until we die or are taken up in the Rapture (1 John 1:8; Romans 7:15-25). To be assured of victory over our sin nature, we must rely on God the Holy Spirit to kill the evil desires (lusts) that come from it (Galatians 5:16-25).

#12 – The Dead Are Not Annihilated Or Reincarnated

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 (John 17:17). He told His disciples that God 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 the Apocryphal books as authoritative or believe the spurious writings of false teachers in the cults.  Nor do we believe that God is still giving new revelation (information) to people today (1 Corinthians 13:8-10).

#13 – The Dead Get Intermediate Bodies

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; Hebrews 4:12). 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; 23:3), and our spirit belongs to the mind (Ephesians 4:23).  The spirit is the only part of the believer that is saved today (1 Corinthians 2:10, 11; 6:17).  The Christian’s body and then the soul are the last parts of us Christians to be saved at the time of the Rapture (Romans 8:23; 1 Peter 1:9).

Incidentally, God the Holy Spirit can and does lead maturing believers to do those things He desires us 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.

#14 – There Are Different Groups Of People

We believe that 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). [1]  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 or in the sea 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 which has flesh and bones, but no blood (1 Corinthians 15:49-53; 1 John 3:2; Luke 24:36-43). We don’t become little gods and reproduce children (Matthew 22:30).  Those living at the time of His return in the Rapture will have their bodies changed to be like His glorified body.

The resurrection of the Old Testament believers will take place seven years after the rapture (Daniel 12:2, 12). They will live among the residents of the earth who physically survived the Tribulation and who enter into the millennium. The resurrected believers will not be 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 on/over the earth (Matthew 10:22).

We also believe that during Christ’s millennium reign on/over the whole earth, the undefiled Jewish and Gentile believers will have access to the heavenly New Jerusalem.  They will enter it through the gate with the name of the Jewish person’s tribe above it (Revelation 21:12, 27).  It appears that the angels will accompany them up and down (Genesis 28:12; Zechariah 8:23).

King David will be resurrected from the dead and will be the top king on the earth over other Gentile kings, but under Christ, the King of kings, and His Bride, the true Church.  Together they will rule from the satellite city which will circle 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 completely towards the end of the tribulation (Revelation 16:8-10; Matthew 24:29).

The believers who physically survive the seven year tribulation will enter the millennium and have children. But not all of their descendants 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 in the sides of the abyss for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:2; Isaiah 14:15), 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). The present, diabolical world system, that was devised by the devil in the days of Cain, to curb the sinful nature of man (Luke 11:50, 51; Genesis 4:16-24), will also not exist during the millennium (1 John 2:15-17).

In spite of all this, a rebellion will break out at the end of the millennium when Satan is released from the abyss, which is in the heart of the earth, 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 still there when the devil gets there disproves the annihilation of the wicked.

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 are suffering in great pain.

At the Great White Throne judgment, the unsaved people will have their works judged to determine their degree of torment in the lake of fire (Matthew 10:15; 11:22; Revelation 20:11-15). It was designed for the devil and his angels (demons), but those who reject God’s offer of salvation will end up there with them (Mathew 25:41, 46). We need Christ’s righteousness to get into heaven (John 16:10).  It is imputed to those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ through the Gospel (Romans 4:22-25).  Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6).

#15 – There Are Different Orders Of Resurrections

Review.  Four major resurrections are mentioned in 1 Corinthians chapter 15. There is Christ’s bodily 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 (Daniel 9:24-27). This resurrection was anticipated by the Jewish believers (John 11:24). The resurrection of unbelievers will take place 1,000 years later at the end of time (15:24).

But the Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, revealed still another resurrection that was a mystery in the Old Testament times (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; Romans 16:25, 26). It will be for the dead New Testament believers who are part of the Body of Christ that becomes His bride (John 14:1-3; Ephesians 5:32; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

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 a Christian truly loves Christ’s imminent return, he/she will be more likely to live a righteous life and earn the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8).  If you’re a Christian, are you living in the light of His any moment return? It will help purify you (1 John 3:3), and bring comfort to you when Jesus calls believers 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.

#16 – We All Exist Forever Somewhere. Where Will You Spend Eternity?

Those who have placed their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, through the message of the Gospel, will spend eternity with God where there is joy evermore (Psalm 16:11). God will wipe away every tear from [the believers’] 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 unbelievers who lack Christ’s righteousness will suffer forever in the lake of fire (John 16:8-11; Revelation 20:15). When we place our faith in Christ alone, Who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day, God puts Christ’s righteousness to our account and He will accept us into heaven (Romans 4:22-25).

You might ask, “What about those who have never heard about Jesus and the Gospel?”  God has provided natural revelation for all of us. We can look at nature and know that there is a God and that He is powerful (Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1).  If one will accept this much light and desires more, God will see to it that he/she will gets the additional information about Christ (the Gospel) so he/she can believe and 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 can be saved.

#17 – We All Have A Choice To Make. How Will You Respond?

God desires that all men and women, boys and girls be saved (1Timothy 2:4). He made a way of escape from hell to heaven for all of us humans, but not for the fallen angels. If you place your faith and trust in Him alone you will be saved from eternal condemnation (Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1). If you’ve never done so before, will you trust Him now? You can know you have eternal life (God’s quality of life) even before you die (Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13).

If the Lord Jesus Christ is your personal Savior, will you help us 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. [2]  Until then let’s be faithful to Him who called us to salvation (1 Corinthians 4:2; 15:58).  He wants all Christians to be faithful, available, teachable, flexible, resilient, evangelistic, and enthusiastic (F.A.T.F.R.E.E.) [3]

Help

We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and grow spiritually, and reproduce themselves (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18; Matthew 28:19, 20).  If you need additional help or have questions, contact us through our website: www.kelseypeach.com or our FB page. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version

Copyright c. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved

* * * * * *

[1]  The Comforting Hope Of An Intermediate Body, by Richard Schafer

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

[2]  Heaven – I Can Only Imagine

“I Can Only Imagine”

[3] FATFREE CHRISTIANS – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/the-f-a-t-f-r-e-e-test/

No Resurrection, No Hope – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2020/07/16/no-res-no-hope/

No Resurrection = No Accountability? = https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2023/03/30/no-resurrection-no-accountability/

Angelic Body Guards

Extremely wealthy people, famous celebrities, and some politicians often hire body guards to protect them. In spite of this, many of them live in constant fear of dying or suffering at the hands of evil people. Most of us can’t afford to hire such body guards.

But did you know that Christian’s have angelic body guards? This doesn’t guarantee that we won’t suffer or die at the hands of others, but we can be assured of God’s never failing love for us (Romans 8:38, 39). We cannot and will not suffer or die without Jesus’ permission and according to His timing (Read Psalm 23; 34:7). Today He holds the “keys of death” (Revelation 1:18; See Hebrews 2:14). There are no “accidents,” only “incidents” in the Christian’s life. How we respond to them is very important (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:20).

Did you know that there are good angels who are “ministering spirits sent forth to minister [i.e., serve “pre-Christians”] who will inherit salvation” [as a result of believing in/on Christ alone through the Gospel] (Hebrews 1:14; See John 6:37)? We don’t know who these people are, where they live, what language they speak, or when they will put their faith and trust in Christ alone, (and not in their good works), but they are out there among us.

The Apostle Paul believed this and thus engaged in the work of evangelism (2 Timothy 2:8-10; 1 Corinthians 9:16-18; Acts 18:9, 10). He encouraged Timothy and us to do the same (2 Timothy 4:5; See Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15).

If you’ve been saved, are you asking God to use you to share the clear Gospel with lost people so they can be saved? Would you like to become a better witness for the Lord, and have a part in their salvation, (perhaps a family member, a friend, or a fellow worker), or do you expect “Clerical George” to do the work for you, which could result in your not receiving the “Crown of Rejoicing” that God intended for you to have (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20; See Revelation 3:11)? [1]

Examples of Angelic Protection

(See Hebrews 11)

For Elisha. “And Elisha [the Prophet] prayed, and said, ‘LORD, I pray, open [my servant’s] eyes that he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man [who was fearful of the enemy army], and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:17). Elisha later died and was buried and another miracle happened (See 2 Kings 13:20, 21).

For Jesus. As Jesus was about to be arrested by His enemies in the Garden of Gethsemane, He said to His disciples, “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels” (Matthew 26:53)? However, He didn’t ask His Father for them because it was part of “God’s Decree” that He should die a horrible death on a cross (Psalm 22:1 ff) for our sins, and then rise again bodily from the dead on the third day (Ephesians 1:11). Had His enemies known that by crucifying Him, they were providing a Savior for all mankind, they wouldn’t have done it (1 Corinthians 2:8; Acts 4:10-28). That is how much they hate God and His rules. (See Psalm 2; John 3:18-20.)

For Peter. “Now behold, [as Peter was scheduled to be murdered by King Herod, as James was], an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, ‘Arise quickly!’ And his chains fell off his hands…. “And when Peter had come to himself, he said, ‘Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.’” (Acts 12:7, 11). He later died as a Christian martyr. [2]

The Story of John G. Patton

One of the most often recounted stories about angels helping believers involves this missionary, who ministered in the New Hebrides islands. One evening, John and his wife were surrounded by hostile natives who were intent on burning the Pattons’ hut and killing the missionaries.

John Paton says he and his wife spent a terror-filled evening desperately praying for God’s supernatural deliverance. When daylight came, John says they looked out the window–and mysteriously the hostile natives had disappeared.

About a year later, the chief of that tribe was converted to faith in Christ. And John Paton, remembering what had happened that evening, asked the chief why they did not attack them that night. The chief seemed surprised and said it was because of the men who were surrounding the hut.

Perplexed, John said, “There were no men surrounding our hut.” The chief insisted, “Oh, yes, there were. We saw hundreds of men in bright, shining garments standing before your hut with swords drawn ready to protect you. We didn’t dare invade.”

John Paton said at that moment he began to understand the delivering power of angels. The chief agreed there was no other possible explanation.

Our Story

“Every day, you and I have things that happen in our lives that can only be explained through the presence and the working of angels. Angels are a very real power in our world today. And although the Bible is clear that we are never to substitute the worship of angels for the worship of Jesus Christ [Colossians 2:8; Revelation 22:8, 9], understanding the reality and the ministry of angels helps us to more fully appreciate how much God really loves us and how He is working in our lives every day.” – Robert Jeffress [3]

Thank God. Perhaps we’ll never know how often our guardian angels have kept us from harm and danger, but we should thank God for them (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-4). Furthermore, God heals all our diseases except the last one which terminates our time on earth and enables us to go home to heaven to be forever with the Lord which is far better (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23). “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15). We sorrow not as unbelievers who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Martyrs

Throughout history God has allowed many believers to suffer and die as martyrs, as he did with James and Christ’s other disciples, although John was an exception. [2] This demonstrates to unbelievers how much we love God and that we don’t fear death. We have hope beyond the grave (1 Corinthians 15:19). It’s based on promises from God who cannot lie (John 14:1-3; Titus 1:2). [4]

The “Crown of Life” will be given to Christian martyrs and to those who resist temptations up to the point of death, if necessary (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).

God’s Love for believers will never be withdrawn (Romans 8:38, 39; See Hebrews 11:36-40). Even the death of His children can result in His glory and the salvation of others. (Stephen’s testimony before his death by stoning probably was instrumental in the Apostle Paul’s being saved. Read Acts chapter 7.)

Our Substitute

Christ died for our sins, was buried for three days and three nights, and then rose again bodily from the dead so all mankind could be saved if they place their faith and trust in Him alone for their salvation (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8, 9). Have you done this yet? If not, why not now? Do you have assurance of your salvation? You can. (Read Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13). [5]

Contact

If you would like additional spiritual help, we can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com or our FB page. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

[1] Evangelism Helps – www.evantell.org

[2] Christian Martyrs – https://www.ccel.org/f/foxe/martyrs/home.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/apostles-die.html

[3] Robert Jeffress – https://ptv.org/devotional/how-do-angels-help-us/

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

[5] The Gospel – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/the-bad-news-the-good-news/

Scripture taken from the New King James Version

Copyright c. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

“God Never Said That”

“If you don’t know the date you were saved, then you’re not saved.” “When you miss an opportunity to share Christ with someone, it’s your fault if that person goes to hell.” “You shouldn’t keep company with sinners.” “If you want to be saved, just invite Jesus into your heart.” “Not true,” says veteran evangelist and teacher Dr. R. Larry Moyer in his book, “21 Things God Never Said.” [1]

Dr. Ron Shea wrote, “…before [an individual] is ever won to Christ, the gospel must first be proclaimed [clearly to him/her]. We believe that the greatest weakness in the church thwarting the fulfillment of the great commission is the prevalence of false gospels within the church that have perverted or distorted the true gospel of the Bible….If the gospel is unclear, it cannot point men toward the Savior. “For if the trumpet give an unclear sound, who shall prepare himself for battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:8). We seek not only to be accurate in our presentation of the gospel, but clear!  If the lost cannot understand the message of the evangelist [or the believer who shares the gospel], how can he place his faith in the Savior?” [2] [3] Which Jesus saves? [4]

“Do We Really Know The Gospel” is the title of an excellent article that Dr. Manfred Kober wrote which shows us Christians how we can share the precise Gospel with a person who is very near death by using 24 words: “Friend: You have sinned. But Christ died for sinners and rose again. Trust Him alone and He will save you eternally. Do it now!” [5]

Sharing the Gospel with lost people, which can deliver them from everlasting suffering in the lake of fire and enable them to enter heaven, should be considered as a privilege, not a burdensome duty done out of guilt.

The “Crown of Rejoicing” awaits faithful believers who direct lost people to Christ for salvation (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20). The greatest joy in life comes to believers who lead unbelievers to Christ and then help them go on to spiritual maturity as they walk in truth (3 John 1:4).

We’re here to show unbelievers how to be saved, and to help prepare Christians so they can share the Gospel with lost people at a moments notice as God opens doors of opportunity for us (1 Peter 3:15).

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

[1] Dr. R. Larry Moyer – https://evantell-org.myshopify.com/products/21-things-god-never-said-correcting-our-misconceptions-about-evangelism?_pos=1&_sid=f1f3a22c2&_ss=r

[2] Dr. Ron Shea, http://www.cleargospel.org/purpose-statement/

[3] Clear Gospel Booklet – http://www.cleargospel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/English/English-Display-Pkg-2014.pdf (Available in several languages. Note the false gospels and invitations that are given to people for salvation on page 2 of this booklet.)

[4] Which Jesus Saves? https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2015/01/07/which-jesus-saves/

[5] Dr. Manfred Kober – https://faith.edu/faith-news/do-we-really-know-the-gospel/

The Bad News & The Good News – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/the-bad-news-the-good-news/ (And what about those who have never heard the Gospel?)

Audio / Video: Bad News & Good News https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUe9ZgADBNQ

Paul’s Swan Song

What would you say, or want to say to a loved one or your friend if you knew that your death was imminent? Too often people die without any warning and conflicts go unresolved and regrets linger. Maybe this is your experience.

Death and dying are not pleasant topics to discuss. Most of us act like we’re going to live forever here on earth. But the reality and general rule is that, “…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

The question is, Where will you spend eternity – with God in heaven or with the devil and his angels/demons in the lake of fire (John 14:1-3; Matthew 25:30, 41, 46)? Yes, we can be sure (Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13).

Christians shouldn’t fear death. Why? The sting of death has been removed (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). Jesus holds the keys of death today, not the devil anymore (Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 1:18). Paul wrote, “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).

He had been to Paradise and came back, but he wasn’t allowed to tell us about it (2 Corinthians 12:1-6; See Acts 14:19, 20). Jesus is preparing a place for His Bride, the true Church (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:9 ff). Will you be there with Him and other believers? [1]

Admonitions to Timothy

As the Apostle Paul was in a Roman prison facing imminent death, he wrote his “Swan Song” to Timothy, his son-in-the-faith (1 Timothy 1:2).

(A “swan song” has been called the final performance of an actor, singer, composer, poet, or the like. According to folklore, swans sing most beautifully just before they die, and hence this phrase came to be used to describe someone who was leaving in style.)

Paul wanted to share some final thoughts with Timothy to encourage him to keep on serving the Lord even after he was gone from earth to heaven, which he said is far better (Philippians 1:23).

While this entire letter of Second Timothy has great value to it, and should be read often, we’ve selected just a few verses which we believe can help younger Evangelists, Pastor-teachers, whose job it is to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31) by equipping other believers to do their work of ministry with the spiritual gift that God has given to each believer at the time of his/her salvation (Ephesians 2:10; 4:11-16; 1 Peter 4:10).

The devil wants to disappoint, discourage, and cause God’s servants to doubt God and His Word (Genesis 3:1-5). He goes about as a roaring lion seeking those whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). When he tempts believers, we must put on the whole armor of God and then resist him (Ephesians 6:10-17; James 4:7).

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

“And the things that you [Timothy] have heard from me [Paul] among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

Not every Christian is faithful and spiritual; many are carnal (1 Corinthians 2:14, 15; 3:1-4; Romans 8:6-8). They need to confess their known sins to God the Father and then claim His forgiveness (1 John 1:9; James 5:16) so God the Holy Spirit can illuminate their minds to the truth that is found in the Bible (Ephesians 1:17, 18). Then they can grow spiritually (2 Peter 3:18).

“For as many as are [habitually being] led by the Spirit of God, these are [the maturing] sons of God” (Romans 8:14). If you’re saved, are you stunted or growing? Is God pleased?

In a message entitled “The Ultimate Final,” Dr. Howard Hendricks asks these questions: (1) Is the Lord well pleased? (2) Is the work well done? (3) Is the Word well used? [2] Please listen to it.

“Be diligent 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).

Being well pleasing to God and meeting His approval should be a top priority in our lives (See 2 Corinthians 5:9). As Christians we need to “… sanctify the Lord God in [our] hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks [us] a reason for the hope that is in [us], with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame [us] as evildoers, those who revile [our] good conduct in Christ may be ashamed” (1 Peter 3:15, 16).

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God [i.e., 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).

“Doctrine = What is right; Reproof = What is not right; Correction = How to get right; Instruction in righteousness = How to stay right.” – Dr. Manfred Kober

The Scriptures tell us in words what God wants for us to know at this time. Within the pages of the 66 books of the Bible we have all that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3, 4). “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8).

Heaven will never get boring. Why? In the ages of eternity, yet to come, God will reveal more and more to us believers (Ephesians 2:7). Ages and dispensations are not the same.

“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).

Carnal Christians don’t love or look forward to Christ’s imminent return for us (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 16:22; 1 John 2:28). If they did, they would act right. They are on dangerous ground and could die prematurely (1 Corinthians 11:30; James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16, 17). What about you?

At the “Bema Seat Judgment” the believer’s works will be evaluated to determine which ones are rewardable and praiseworthy, and which ones aren’t. The worthless works will be burned up (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10) without the believer’s losing his/her salvation (John 10:28, 29; Ephesians 4:30).

There are five crowns that Christians can earn for the glory of God. [3] Which ones will you earn? If you earn them, what will you do with them? (See Revelation 4:10,11)

Paul’s Words To Titus

“For a bishop [an overseer of a local church] must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word [Greek “didachen” = doctrines that are 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 1:7-9).

An overseer (Pastor-teacher) needs to understand and teach “Dispensational” distinctions to the believers in his care. Otherwise confusion reigns. Deacons also need to understand “the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience” (1 Timothy 1:4; 3:9).

While all of the Bible is FOR us, but not all of it is addressed TO us as Christians. “Galatianite Christians” try to come to spiritual maturity by keeping the “Mosaic Law.” [4] It’s impossible (Romans 6:14; Galatians 3:1 ff; 5:1 ff).

New Testament believers are to live by “Grace” principles. (See our Dispensations Chart to discover where our “House Rules” are found in the Scriptures.) [5] What value does the Old Testament have for Christians today? (See 1 Corinthians 10; Romans 15:4; Exodus 3:14).

Once again, if you knew that your time on earth was about to end, what would you do differently? “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord” (Romans 12:17-19).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4).

We should treat every day as though it might be our last day on earth, or the last day of someone we love and/or know. Are you doing this?

How will you be remembered by others? What impact are you having on your family, friends, fellow workers, and others? Is it for good or for evil? What negative practices do you need to stop with God’s help? Which positive practices do you need to keep on doing?

We’re here to help unbelievers come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day. [1] Once a person is saved from condemnation (Romans 8:1), we want to help him/her grow spiritually (2 Peter 3:18).

If you would like additional spiritual help, we can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

If this article has helped you, please SHARE it with others. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

[1] The Gospel – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/the-bad-news-the-good-news/

[2] The Ultimate Final – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKaavuDlvZ4

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

[4] Dispensations – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2021/11/18/law-grace-or-kingdom-living/

[5] The House Rules https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2017/07/10/the-house-rules/

Scripture taken from the New King James Version

Copyright c. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

Why Did They Volunteer?

Even though there was a draft in our country which forced many young men to become soldiers and go to war to defend their country, many other young men volunteered to join the military and give up their lives, if necessary, to preserve the freedom we have in our country. My father was a volunteer in World War II.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” – Ronald Reagan

Slavery has existed since the dawn of human history for various reasons and will continue on into the future (Revelation 18:13). [1] Some taskmasters were very cruel (Exodus 6:5-9; Deuteronomy 6:21). But not all slave masters were cruel and oppressive. Some Jewish slaves, who could have gone free, chose to remain as slaves to their masters because they actually loved them (Exodus 21:1-6).

Many people (although technically not slaves) choose to work where they do because they have good bosses and employers. How about you? In our country, we still have choices. For how long? We don’t know. Some people in other countries have no choices and long to come to our country.

In the spiritual realm, without their knowing it, countless numbers of people all around the world are enslaved to the devil and their own sin natures which we all inherited from our first parents, Adam and Eve (Romans 5:12; Psalm 51:5). Some people are very superstitious and fearful about many things.

To some religious men of His day, Jesus said, “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44).

The Apostle Paul addressed our sinful natures (dispositions / natural tendencies), which we all have (1 John 1:8), and wrote, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16). He himself struggled with his sin nature as a Christian but finally learned how he could overcome its temptations to sin (Romans 7:15-25; 8:1 ff; Galatians 5:16-25). We don’t have to yield to sinful temptations and sin – act lawlessly (1 John 2:1; 3:4; 1 Corinthians 10:13).

Knowing that we, as sinful men and women, couldn’t help ourselves, God graciously provided a solution to all mankind who had rebelled against Him. At a council meeting of the three Persons in the Godhead (Ephesians 1:11), God the Son volunteered to come to earth (Hebrews 10:7, 9), to become the God-man (Philippians 2:5-11), to be born of the virgin, Mary (Matthew 1:23), to live a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15), and then to die on a cruel cross to pay the debt that we all owed to God (Romans 6:23). “Jesus paid a debt He did not owe, because we owed a debt we could not pay.”

“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8). Would you be willing to die for your enemy as Jesus did?

Why did the Apostle Paul suffer as he did (2 Corinthians 11:22-33)? Because he insisted that the bodily resurrection of Christ be included in the Gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Luke 24:36-43), and so that others could be saved. A dead person can’t help anyone.

He wrote, “Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:8-10). Without Christ’s death for our sins…and His bodily resurrection, we’d be hopeless and most pitiable (1 Corinthians 15:17-19). Don’t leave it out of your Gospel presentation to the lost.

If you’re a Christian, are you willing to suffer for the cause of Christ so others can be saved from eternal condemnation in the lake of fire (Romans 8:1; Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; Revelation 21:8) to heaven instead (John 14:1-3)?

Having a part in a person’s salvation can earn for Christians the “Crown of Rejoicing” (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20). Sadly, most of us Christians don’t really want to suffer. We’d rather be “carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease.” But the Apostle Paul wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

If you’ve been saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone, Who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day, will you volunteer by presenting your body as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service instead of being conformed to this age? God wants us to “be transformed by the renewing of [our minds], that [we] may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1, 2; Romans 6:11-14)?

If you’re not saved, or aren’t sure of your salvation, but would like to be sure, we’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and grow (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18).

We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

[1] Slavery – https://www.prageru.com/video/a-short-history-of-slavery

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

Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

“It Only Takes A Spark”

How Ironic. My “quarter pound” tongue. With it I can bless God and then turn around and curse men (James 3:9). And even though I’ve been saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ, I could succumb to a temptation from the devil to lie, or to tell half truths with the intent to deceive, to gossip, to slander, to malign others, or use it for inappropriate language. I could even speak the truth to hurt someone rather than help and edify him/her. As a Christian, I should always speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), at the right time, for the right reason (1 Corinthians 10:31). [1]

Forest Fires. “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell” (James 3:5, 6).

Observation. You can learn a great deal about a person by observing what makes him mad, sad, or glad.  What makes him laugh, cry, or get disturbed? What kind of TV programs does he/she like to watch?  What about you? What kind of impression do you have of others, and what do they really think about you?  Do you gossip about others, slander them, make snide remarks, or send out body language that expresses your true disgust with others whom you disdain?  Names and faces hurt, don’t they? [2]

Tongues. On the “Day of Pentecost” (50 days after Passover), God the Holy Spirit came to indwell the bodies of believers who had placed their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, as the One Who died for their sins, was buried, and rose again bodily on the third day. No longer could they keep this Good News silent. Jews from all over the world were in Jerusalem at that time. So God enabled the Lord’s disciples to speak in the known languages of the countries from which the Jews had come (Acts 2:5-12). This was a sign miracle that convinced many of them to believe in Christ and that God was extending salvation to the non-Jews too (1 Corinthians 14:22; See Acts 1:8).

Spiritual Gifts. It is our understanding that speaking in tongues (other languages) and the interpretation of tongues, along with some others, were temporary gifts until the Scriptures were completed (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). There are extant gifts still being given today. [3]

Evangelism. God wants every true Christian to use his/her tongue to spread the “Good News” concerning Christ with lost people so they can escape the horrors of hell and enter heaven (Matthew25:30,41, 46; Revelation 21:8). [4] The “Crown of Rejoicing” awaits believers who are involved in the salvation of others (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20). Don’t let the devil intimidate you with fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Put on the “helmet of salvation” to overcome this temptation (Ephesians 6:17).

Prayer. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm19:14). [5]

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). If you have questions and/or comments, we can be reached here or through out website: www.kelseypeach.com. Help us reach others by SHARING this with those in your circle of influence. To receive future articles as they come out, click on Follow.

[1] “My “Quarter Pound” Tongue.

“My ‘Quarter Pound’ Tongue”

[2] Help! My Tongue Is On Fire

“Help! My Tongue’s On Fire”

[3] Spiritual Gifts – Temporary and Extant

https://www.kelseypeach.com/bible-basics

“Tongues Talk”

[4] Gospel Presentations – Audio, visual, and written format.

Gospel Presentations

[5] My Mother’s Prayers

“My Mother’s Prayers”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  
Used by Permission. All rights reserved.