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.

“Nineteen Existential Threats”

Sticker Shock. I’m quite sure that you don’t need to be told that the prices of goods and services have risen dramatically over the last several months and years. People all over the world are in panic mode, fearful of the future. What about you? Are you at “peace with God” (Romans 5:1)? Do you enjoy the “peace of God” (Philippians 4:6, 7)? If not, would you like to have this kind of peace?

Threats. “Right now, there are at least nineteen existential threats that are currently hanging over our collective heads like a giant boulder teetering on the edge of a cliff on the San Andreas faultline. Crazily enough, none of these threats include Covid, transgendered bathroom rights, or man-made climate change. However, for the sake of argument, here are said nineteen existential threats to both our nation and the world: (1) Nuclear war with Russia, China, North Korea, (2) Dirty bombs detonated in major cities, (3) EMP attack by the aforementioned, (4) The collapse of the U.S. Dollar, (5) A serious bioengineered pandemic, (6) A massive cyber attack, etc. For more, click on link below. [1]

Blame. It’s not hard for us to blame others for all the problems were facing. Whom would you blame? The Republicans and Donald Trump, the Democrats and Joe Biden, the Big Corporations, your parents, your boss, or perhaps others? What role do you personally play and what are you doing to change things that you don’t like? [2]

First things first. “An unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates [3] “Not my brother, not my sister, but it’s me, O Lord, Standin’ in the need of prayer;…Not the preacher, not the deacon, but it’s me, O Lord, Standin’ in the need of prayer;…Not my father, not my mother, …Not the stranger, not my neighbor, but it’s me, O Lord, Standin’ in the need of prayer;” – African-American spiritual song. These dear people understood and believed what God had to say about all of us, regardless of our skin color. (Romans 3:10-23; 6:23; 5:8)

The Problem. American NFL player, Benjamin Watson pointed out that the problem in the world today involves sin, not one’s skin color. He’s right. [4] Candace Owens provides “A Short History of Slavery.” [5] Sadly, it will exist even during the Seven Years of the Coming Tribulation which seems to be “just around the corner” when “The Man of Sin – Antichrist” is ruling over the whole world (Revelation 18:13). [6]

God’s Will. It involves both His determinative will which cannot be altered, and His desirous will which we may or may not carry out because of the limited freedom that we have been given. (7) He desires that all of humanity be saved (1 Timothy 2:1-4). How does someone do this? (8)

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

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

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

[1] Pete Garcia – https://www.rev310.net/post/everything-everywhere-all-at-once

[2] The Blame Game – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2021/07/08/the-blame-game/

[3] An Unexamined Life – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2011/01/03/an-unexamined-life/

[4] The Problem – Sin. https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2017/08/24/the-problem-sin-not-skin/

[5] A Short History of Slavery – Candace Owens https://www.prageru.com/video/a-short-history-of-slavery?gclid=CjwKCAjwsMGYBhAEEiwAGUXJaRwcAiV9LR_I9ibplx2PvdGTsp05ahXVOLsSUhFMnF8hLz5Qy-QTGxoCOGgQAvD_BwE

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

(7) The Will Of God – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2008/05/10/the-will-of-god/

(8) The Bad News & The Good News – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/the-bad-news-the-good-news/

“God Is…” Part 1

“GODISNOWHERE”

He wanted everyone who visited his home to know that is was an avowed atheist. In his living room he had sign that read: “God is nowhere.” One day his grandson, who was just learning how to read, said to his grandfather, “I can read that sign.” Since he was having trouble with the big word “nowhere,” he broke it down and said, “It says, ‘God is now here.’” [1]

The grandfather was shocked. He had never read the sentence that way. His whole perception began to change, thanks to his little grandson. No longer could he read “God is nowhere.” He could only read it as his grandson did, “God is now here.” (Please take/make time to read and meditate on Psalm 139. It could dramatically change your way of thinking and living and your eternal destiny.)

The Bible calls one who claims to be an atheist “a fool” (Psalm 14:1). An honest person might say, “I am an agnostic. I’m not sure if God exists or not.” What you believe or claim not to believe about God is critical.

In his book entitled “The Knowledge of the Holy,” A. W. Tozer wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us…Were we able to extract from any man a complete answer to [that] question,… we might predict with certainty the spiritual future of that man. Were we able to know exactly what our most influential religious leaders think of God today, we might be able with precision to foretell where the Church will stand tomorrow.”

Another author wrote, “Knowing God. There is no pursuit more important. Paul declared it to be his aim in life (Philippians 3:10). Jesus prayed for it to become a reality (John 17:3). Jeremiah stated it was the single thing over which man may boast (Jeremiah 9:23). Knowing God has a beginning point-salvation-and is a never-ending process. Today, make it your aim. Consciously think, ‘Lord, use these quiet moments to enhance my knowledge of You. Take first place in my heart. Reveal Yourself to me.’” – Chuck Swindoll, “Quest For Character,” p. 60

(Note: God has revealed Himself to us in His Word. He is not giving out new revelation/information at this time. We have all we need for life and godliness, within the pages of the Scriptures. (Read 2 Peter 1:3.)

With these thoughts in our minds, let’s try to discover what the Scriptures tell us about God. After all, it says in words what He wanted us to know. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God [i.e. It is “God breathed”], and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God [i.e. the believer] may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17 *).

God Is The Creator And Sustainer Of All things.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). “For by Him [i.e. God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ] all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist [i.e. are held together]” (Colossians 1:16, 17*). Apparently the spirit beings (cherubs, seraphs, and angels – also called “the sons of God” – Genesis 6:2, 4; Job 1:6; 2:1), whom God the Son had created earlier, shouted for joy when they saw what God had done for them (Job 38:7).

From the mineral garden of Eden on earth, it seems that Lucifer, the highest of the created spirit beings, ruled under God over all the rest of the spirit beings, who resided in the starry heavens, until he rebelled against God (Isaiah 14:12 ff; Ezekiel 28:11 ff). He persuaded one third of the lower two categories of angels to follow him in his rebellion by trying to exalt Himself and take the glory that belonged to God.

When they did this they became the devil and demons (Revelation 12:4; See Ephesians 6:12). The “lake of fire” was prepared for them (Matthew 25:41, 46), but all unbelievers, who are not fit for heaven (John 16:10), will also end up in that awful place forever to suffer with different degrees of torment (Matthew 10:15; 11:22; Revelation 20:11-15).

We hope that you won’t be in that group. By simple faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, through the message of the Gospel, you can be transferred out of the devil’s family and enter God’s family (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Colossians 1:13; 1 John 3:9, 10).

God The Destroyer And Re-Creator.

At the end of time as we know it, (at least 1,0007 years from now) God will destroy the present heavens and earth and create a completely new heavens and earth in which righteousness will finally settle down and be at home (2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1; See Matthew 5:5; Romans 4:13). Apart from “special revelation from God” (the 66 Books in the Bible) we couldn’t know these things. Natural revelation tells us that there is a God who exists and who is all powerful (Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1; See Psalm 14:1). But this information isn’t enough to believe for someone to be saved (James 2:19).

The Good News, that is the power of God unto salvation, is that Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Have you placed for faith and trust in Him alone to save you? If not, why not now? If you are a true believer, have you shared the Gospel with anyone recently? If not, why?

God The Son – The Communicator.

“In the beginning was the Word (i.e. the Communicator for the Godhead), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made [i.e. came into being] through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made [i.e. came into being]…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth…No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” (John 1:1-3, 14, 18*).

On the night when He was betrayed, Jesus said to His disciples, “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?  Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.  Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves” (John 14:7-11*).

The three Persons in the Godhead (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) share the same essence and attributes (John 10:30). But they have distinctive roles to carry out from the beginning of time to the end of time which were determined in eternity past at the council meeting. This is known as “the decree” (Ephesians 1:11).

The “determinative will” came after the various options were considered by them (Matthew 10:15; 11:22). The “desirous will” that God planned for us to do, while we are here on earth, may or may not be carried out by us (Examples: Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:18). Rewards, crowns, and praise await Christians at the “Bema Seat Judgment” (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10) who do God’s work (Ephesians 2:10), God’s way (2 Timothy 2:5), for God’s glory (1 Corinthian 10:31). 

What are your honest thoughts about God? Do you foolishly deny His existence (See Psalm 14:1), or are you a Christian who acts like God doesn’t exist – “a practical atheist”? Are you an agnostic who isn’t sure if God exists or not? From nature we can know that there is a God who is all powerful (Romans1:20). Those who deny this and who aren’t thankful to Him develop reprobate (depraved, unprincipled, or wicked) minds (Romans 1:28).

On the other hand, without having ever seen Him, we can accept and believe the Scriptural fact that we are sinners like everyone else (Romans 3:10, 23; See 1 John 3:4), and that we deserve to be punished (Romans 6:23). While none of us has been as bad as we could be, we are all as bad off as we can be if we aren’t saved and if we end up in the lake of fire forever (Romans 6:23; Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 21:8).

But God the Father loved the people of this world (John 3:16). God the Son volunteered to come down to this sin cursed earth (Hebrews 10:7, 9) to glorify God the Father (John 17:4), and to die in our place for our sins. But He rose again from the dead so He could save any and all who would believe on Him as their personal Savior. Christ’s bodily resurrection and His acceptance by the Father back into heaven proves to us that His work on the cross satisfied God the Father’s outraged holiness against our sin (Romans 4:25; 1 John 2:2).

The God who created the heavens and the earth is concerned about you. “[He] desires all men (which includes you and me) to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Have you placed your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone to save you? If not, why not now?  Do you have assurance of your salvation? If you are a true Christian, are you growing spiritually, serving effectively, and sharing the Gospel regularly with others as you are being led by God the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14)?

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If this has helped you, please let us know, and then SHARE this with others so they can be helped too.

[1] “Now here.” What does this mean? To be discussed later.

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

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

Used by permission. All rights reserved.

“Expectations”

“[Our] expectations can be high or low, reasonable or unreasonable, good or bad. The Bible speaks of expectations of redemption (Romans 8:19), expectations of judgment (Hebrews 10:27), delayed expectations (Proverbs 13:12a), realized expectations (Proverbs 13:12b), and unrealized expectations (Proverbs 11:7). Jesus told us to expect His return—although the timing of His return is beyond our knowing: “Be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Luke 12:40).” [1]

Dreams. Most, if not all of us, have or have had dreams and expectations in life. We want to be “successful.” But how is “success” measured and by whose standard? [2] We also have expectations of our spouses. We want them to conduct themselves in certain ways; we also set rules that we expect our children to keep. When these expectations are not met, we get disappointed in them and take measures to correct their behavior. Nagging [3] and yelling are often used to manipulate others.

Legalists. Do you have high expectations of other people? Are you tying to get them to live by your legalistic, unbiblical rules that are often unrealistic? This is what the Pharisees of Christ’s day did (Matthew 23:4). Consider Christ’s invitation to the oppressed (Matthew 11:28-30). When others don’t meet our expectations we sometimes turn on them and/or seek to harm them. Where in Scripture does the Christian find his/her rules for living today? (See our Dispensations Chart on our website.) Upon whose strength do we need to depend to carry them out – our own or God’s (Philippians 4:13)?

Messiah. The Old Testament Jews had high expectations of their promised Messiah. They were looking for a conquering King, not a suffering servant (Isaiah 9:6, 7; 53:1 ff). They wanted Him to deliver them from Roman oppression. They didn’t think that they needed Someone to deliver them from their sins and the consequences of them (Romans 6:23; 10:3). When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a little donkey, many cried out “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9). But when He didn’t overthrow Rome, who was their enemy, and allowed Himself to be arrested by His enemies (John 18:12 ff), they turned on Him and cried out for Him to be crucified (John 19:6).

Goals. While most of us can do far more than we think we can, sometimes we set unrealistic goals and/or expectations in life and depend on ourselves rather than on God to fulfill those desires (Proverbs 3:5, 6; James 4:13-17). Self reliance and acting independently of God leads to failure in His sight. It led to Lucifer’s (Satan’s) fall (Isaiah 14:12-15). He tempts us to act this way today (Luke 22:31-34).

Trust. Now that I have been saved by grace through faith in Christ, I (my new nature) want to trust in the Lord with all my heart (mind, will, and emotions), and not lean on my own understanding. I want to acknowledge Him and depend on Him to make wise decisions that will affect not only me but others (Proverbs 3:5, 6). [4] As a child of God I can expect Him to give me wisdom when I humbly ask Him for it and when I’m not double minded (James 1:5-8; See 1 John 2:15-17).

Formula. I want to pursue a simple formula that I have often shared with my children. It is expressed in these words from the Scriptures. “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require [expect] of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8). These are things that don’t come naturally to us.

Goodness (happiness) will be the result of my doing what is just (right). It is not doing what is right in my own eyes, but what is right in God’s eyes (Judges 21:25). [5] He makes the rules; I need to obey them if I want to show my love and appreciation for Him (John 14:15), and if I want to be well pleasing to Him (2 Corinthians 5:9). I don’t want to grieve God (Ephesians 4:30).

Mercy. God has been very merciful to me when I’ve suffered as a result of my own sins or the sins of others. So I want to be merciful and compassionate to those who are suffering (Ephesians 4:32; 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Where would you and I be without God’s mercies that are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22, 23). Great is His faithfulness to us. Let us be faithful to Him and to others (1 Corinthians 4:2; 15:58).

Humility. I also want to walk humbly before God (James 4:10). He hates it when we walk in pride (Proverbs 6:16, 17; 16:18). Everything you and I have has come from His gracious hand (1 Corinthians 4:7). I want to be like Christ by displaying the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22, 23; Philippians 2:5-11). I want others to see Christ living His life through my life (Galatians 2:20; 4:19).

Forgiveness. When we place our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day, God judicially forgives us (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Ephesians 1:7; Romans 8:1). We become children of God when we believe on Christ as our personal Savior through the message of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Romans 1:16 17). We all start out life as children of the devil (John 8:44; 1 John 3:9, 10). If we don’t ever get out of his family and enter into God’s family by simple faith, and not by our works (Ephesians 2:8 9; Titus 3:5), we will spend eternity with the devil and his angels in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41, 46; Colossians 1:13, 14). Contrary to what some cults and religions teach, the wicked dead are not annihilated or reincarnated.

Poem/Song. It’s “Not what I wish to be nor where I wish to go / For who am I that I should choose my way / The Lord shall choose for me tis better far I know / So let Him bid me go or stay.” – C. Austin Miles. Is the Lord Jesus Christ your Shepherd and Savior? If not, why not place your faith and trust in Him alone today?

Help. If you aren’t sure of your eternal destiny, or if you need spiritual help, you may contact us through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16. 17). If this has helped you, please SHARE it with others.

[1] Expectations, https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-expectations.html

[2] Charles Stanley, Success God’s Way, https://www.amazon.com/Success-Gods-Way-Achieving-Contentment/dp/0785265902/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=success+charles+stanley&qid=1583909509&sr=8-1

[3] How To Stop Nagging And Start Teaching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hrPJrG2aHM

Nagging, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17L7eS6pt_A

[4] For the struggle between the Christian’s new nature and the old nature read Romans 7:15-25.

[5] Other Helpful Articles:

When Doing Right Is Wrong. https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2017/09/06/when-doing-right-is-wrong/

Wrong? It Feels So Right, https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2013/06/26/wrong-it-feels-so-right/

Expectations In Life – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/06/27/expectations-in-life/

“Expectations In Life”

Philippians 1:19-26

What do you want to do or accomplish while you’re here on planet earth? What do you dream about? What are you doing to achieve this dream that you have? Are you interested in fame, fortune, power, or pleasure? Would you like to be free from all pain, sorrow, and suffering and have a lot of friends and be able to influence people? What or who motivates you in your pursuit of your dreams – a parent, a teacher, a friend, or perhaps the fear of loss (Acts 4:36; 5:3; Philippians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:11; Hebrews 10:25)? Are you willing to bend the rules (cheat) to accomplish your goals? Do you believe that “the end justify the means” (Romans 3:8; 6:1; 2 Timothy 2:5)? If so, when and why? How have the “religions of man” done this?

If we’re honest, most of us are putting our own desires and pleasures above everyone else’s including God’s desires for us (See what Lucifer did in Isaiah 14:13, 14). We usually want things to go “our way” and not “God’s way” or His will for our lives (See James 4:13-17). But the Lord Jesus Christ, who laid down His life to pay the debt that we owed to God (1 Peter 3:18), has a unique plan for our lives (Ephesians 2:10; See Jeremiah 29:11). He desires that all mankind (men and women, boys and girls) be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Sadly, most people won’t accept His gift of eternal life because they love darkness rather than light (John 1:12; 3:16-19, 36). He even gave to each true Christian a spiritual enablement (gift) at the time of our salvation so that we could glorify God by making Him known to others whom God brought into existence (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:11 ff; 1 Peter 4:10) and to help build up (edify) the spiritual “Body of Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). See our “Bible Basic Docs” on our website.

Let’s see what the Apostle Paul wanted to accomplish in his own life and his willingness to accept what God allowed to come into it and give thanks (Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; 1 Timothy 2:1). He “turned the lemons he received in life into lemonade.” Are you doing this too?

Assurance. Even though he was under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30) because of his faith in the resurrected Christ who had died for our sins and who had been raised from the dead on the third day (2 Timothy 2:8-10), he was quite confident that he would be delivered from his imprisonment and that he would be able to revisit the churches he had started, and start other local churches. He believed that the prayers of the believers in Philippi would be answered by the Lord. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). He also believed that God the Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus Christ Himself were interceding for him to God the Father (Romans 8:26, 35; See Hebrews 7:25).

Magnification. It was Paul’s desire to glorify God and to magnify His name (person and work) to those whom he encountered in life (1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalm 34:3). He did this with boldness even though he was bound (chained) to a Roman soldier night and day (Philippians 1:14, 16). Think about what that must have been like if it had happened to you. (How would your behavior change if you knew that Jesus was chained to you? Actually, God the Holy Spirit indwells each believer, and is grieved when we sin – Ephesians 4:30; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20)? Paul was not ashamed of Christ or the Gospel which is the power of God unto anyone’s salvation who believes in/on Him alone for salvation (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). He wasn’t going to let fear or shame deter His witness for Christ (2 Timothy 2:7; Romans 1:16, 17). With cheerfulness and clarity he spread the Gospel to those whom he encountered along life’s path (Philippians 4:4).

Life/Death. It mattered not to Paul whether he lived or died. To die meant to be present with the Lord immediately (2 Corinthians 5:1-8). The Bible doesn’t teach “Purgatory.” Physical death was a door into eternity. If God wanted him to live a little longer on earth (1 Thessalonians 4:14; Revelation 1:18) he would use that time to reach more people for Christ and edify them in the faith. Christ was the source of his life (Galatians 2:20), and pleasing Him was paramount (2 Corinthians 5:9).

Dilemma. Living and remaining on earth would mean continued bodily limitations, suffering and joy, being absent from Christ, and being in Satan’s realm. Dying would mean that he would receive a better, temporary body (2 Corinthians 5:1-9) to house his soul and spirit in heaven until the time of the rapture when he would receive a resurrected, glorified body like Christ’s (1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52). It would mean joy and no more suffering, to be present with Christ forever, to be separated forever from sin, but no more opportunities to overcome sinful temptations and earn rewards, crowns, or praise from God (James 1:12), and no weak Christians to help (Galatians 6:1 ff).

Confidence. Paul had a quiet confidence that God was going to allow him to remain on earth a little longer so he could assist believers in the faith. The Jews who were intent on killing him had a weak case against him and couldn’t prove the accusations that they made against him.

Time. We all have 24 hours each day and 168 hours in a week. What are you doing with the time God has given to you? Don’t “kill time.” Are others learning about God from the words you speak and from the life you live? Does dying frighten you? If so, why? Have you been “born again from above” (John 3:3-7; 1 Peter 1:23) by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day? Perhaps you know these facts and believe these facts. But have you transferred your faith and trust over to Christ alone to save you? Are you trying to earn your way to heaven (Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5)? Are you “believing in vain” by adding to or subtracting from the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:2)? What are your thoughts about heaven and the lake of fire (hell)? Do they line up with the Scriptures (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; Luke 16:19-31; John 14:1-3; Acts 7:55; Hebrews 11:10, 16; Revelation 7:9-17; 21:1-17; 22:1-5)? Do they disappear by imagining them away as John Lennon suggested?

Questions. What does God want you to do daily while you are here on earth? What is your reason and purpose for existence? If you’re a true Christian, have you dedicated your body to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1, 2)? By when do you hope to achieve the goals that God has put into your heart (See Philippians 2:13; 3:10)? What obstacles are you facing and who does God want you link up with to carry out the good works that God planned for you to do (Ephesians 2:10; 4:11 ff; 2 Corinthians 6:14)? What skills (spiritual gift) do you need to develop? What specific steps are you taking to accomplish His goals for your life (Galatians 5:16, 25)? And why do you want to do these things – to glorify God or yourself (1 Corinthians 10:31; Jeremiah 9:23, 24)? Are you a “wandering generality” or a “meaningful specific”? Do you feel helpless (Romans 5:6), hopeless (Ephesians 2:12), and like you are hell bound (Romans 6:23)? If you are –

Help. We’re here to assist you and others who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). If you’re a true Christian, we’d like to ask you to take this information and pass it on to other believers who are teachable and willing to change. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” Join us on “Facebook” and “Youtube” for our Bible studies. We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

Share. We’d like you to memorize this short Gospel presentation and share it with unbelievers as God the Holy Spirit leads you: “Friend, you have sinned. But Christ died for sinners and rose again. Trust Him alone and He will save you eternally. Do it now!” – Dr. Manfred Kober [1]

[1] https://www.faith.edu/1993/02/do-we-really-know-the-gospel/

“What Simulates & Motivates You?

Why? Why do you do what you do? You may think you know why you do what you do, but all of us can deceive ourselves.“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Even the Apostle Paul admitted this when he said, “For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord”(1 Corinthians 4:4).

Judging. Contrary to what many people have been misled to believe about judging (Matthew 7:1-6 is addressed to hypocrites), we are allowed to judge actions (John 7:24; 1 Corinthians 5:3; 6:2, 3), but we must be cautious about judging motives because only God knows for sure why we and others do what we do. Christians are also to evaluate what they are being taught by comparing it with the Word of God which is truth (1 John 4:1; John 17:17).

Motives. It is possible for a believer to use his/her spiritual gift with wrong motives. We might be looking for the praise of/from men (John 12:43). This is why the Apostle Paul wrote about our using agape love while serving others with our gift (1 Corinthians 13). This kind of love is produced by God the Holy Spirit in the lives of “Spirit filled” believers who aren’t grieving or quenching Him (Ephesians 4:30; 5:18; Galatians 5:22, 23; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). Paul said the love of Christ compelled him in his service to God and others (2 Corinthians 5:14; 2 Timothy 2:10). Jesus demonstrated this kind of love by washing His disciples’ feet (John 13; See 1 John 3:16, 17) and laying down His life so we could be saved (John 3:16; 6:37-39; Hebrews 10:7, 9). His “New Commandment” was that we love one another as He loved us (John 13:34, 35; Contrast Leviticus 19:18). What or who compels/motivates you into doing what you do and say? Is it God (Philippians 2:13) or Satan (Ephesians 2:2)?  What keeps you from engaging in certain sinful pleasures and practices?  Is it peer pressure or some other reason?

Omniscient. Although Christians can engage periodically in sinful activities to gain momentary gratification without everyone’s knowing about them, God and spirit beings are aware of them. God alone is omniscient (Isaiah 46:10; John 2:24, 25). He knows everything about us (Read Psalm 139). Spirit beings (cherubs, seraphs, and angels) aren’t omniscient but those who are assigned to us can see what we do and hear what we say (Genesis 3:1 ff; Job 1:6 ff; 2:1 ff; Daniel 4:17; Hebrews 1:14; 1 Peter 1:12; 5:8).

Permission. God allows believers to be tempted by the devil and our other spiritual enemies (1 Corinthians 10:13; Genesis 3:1 ff; Luke 22:31 ff; James 1:13 ff). By doing this, He gives us opportunities to demonstrate our love for Him or our love for ourselves.When we resist and overcome the temptations that come from the devil, our own sin nature, or the present world system, we show God that we love Him more than temporary, sinful pleasures (Hebrews 11:25; See Proverbs 2:16; 5:3, 20; 6:24). The “Crown of Life”awaits believers who resist sinful temptations (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).

Confession. When we, as Christians, sin/act lawlessly (1 John 3:4), we must confess (name) our sins to God before our family fellowship can be restored (1 John 1:7-9). He promises to forgive our sins but He doesn’t forget what we’ve done since He’s omniscient. But He won’t hold the sins we confess to Him against us (See Ezekiel 33:16 NKJV).

Re-exam. Sometime in the future He may allow us to be tempted again to give us another opportunity to display the true condition of our heart. Therefore, “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life”(Proverbs 4:23). We never know when these“pop quizzes” will be given. Failing the tests can/will bring much sorrow (Proverbs 5:11; 6:32-35; Matthew 26:75) and could lead to our premature, physical death (1 Corinthians 11:30; James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16). We have “potential years” and “actual years.” (See Ecclesiastes 7:17; Jeremiah 27:13; Ezekiel 18:31).

Examination. Before we participate in the“Lord’s Supper”or during times when we’re flat on our backs, we can/should look up to God and engage in some self evaluation (1 Corinthians 11:28). The Psalmist wrote: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting”(Psalm 139:23, 24).

Questions. Are you undergoing trials and tests right now? Are you sure you’ll go to heaven the moment you die? Why should God let you into His heaven? Do you have assurance of your salvation? Have you placed your faith in Christ alone who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day?  If you’re saved, do you have unconfessed sins in your life? Are you grieving and/or quenching God the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19)? Are you growing spiritually? If not, why? Are you doing what God wants you to do or what you want to do (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10)? Are you glorifying God by making Him known to others (1 Corinthians 10:31)? Are you well pleasing to Him (2 Corinthians 5:9; See Matthew 25:23)?  What needs to change?  If you know what you should do, and don’t do it, it is sin (James 4:17).  We, as Christians, can do all things through Him who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). If you have questions and/or comments, you can reach us through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If this has helped you, we’d like to hear from you and ask you to share this with others. Follow us on Facebook and Youtube. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

“How Then Should We Live” Part 3

Many people live their lives as “wondering generalities” rather than as “meaningful specifics.” This includes a lot of Christians. Some believers lack assurance of their salvation, and are confused as to what they are supposed to do now that they have become a Christian. Studying is not appealing to many of them and they seem to lack the ability to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). They aren’t fully convinced that all 66 books of the Scriptures are God breathed and profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness so that they can be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). They don’t realize that while all of the Bible is to be believed, not all of it is to be believed and practiced (Titus 1:9). Some try to live by the “Mosaic Law” and the “Ten Commandments” (Exodus 20). Others try to live according to the “Sermon on the Mount” as the “Red Letter Christians” do (Matthew 5-7). Both of these “Rules for Living” were given to the Jews, not to Christians and the Church. Many of those who follow them allegorize and twist the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:16) rather than use the normal (literal, historical, grammatical) interpretation of the Bible. Both of these two are legal systems which many “preachers” prefer to teach (1 Timothy 1:7). Living by “Grace Principles” is foreign to most Christians (See Romans 6:14; Galatians 3:1-3; 5:1 ff; 2 Peter 3:18). Some of them erroneously think that it leads to a license to sin (Romans 6:1 ff). If you think this way, please note what happens to God’s disobedient children (Hebrews 12:5-11; James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13).

What Does God Want Christians To Do?

Baptism. Once a person has been saved from the penalty of sin (Romans 6:23; 8:1), he/she should be baptized/immersed. This is not a requirement for salvation (Ephesians 2:8, 9) but it is a picture of our death, burial, and resurrection with Christ (Romans 6:3-6; Galatians 2:20). He commanded this of His disciples (Matthew 28:19, 20). It enables a believer to have a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:21) and it serves as a witness to others that we are identifying ourselves with Christ (Acts 8:36-38; 10:47; 16:33) and the “Body of Christ – The Church” (1 Corinthians 12:12, 13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:15).  Sadly, there are many Christians who haven’t been baptized/immersed yet. Perhaps they’re ashamed of Jesus and deny that they know Him as Peter did (Matthew 26:75). Maybe they fear opposition or even loss of life (1 Corinthians 15:29; Philippians 1:21). What about you?

Dedication. Having been purchased out of “the slave market of sin” with Christ’s own blood (1 Peter 1:18, 19; See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11), every true Christian should present his/her body to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1, 2). We should gladly make ourselves available to the Lord so He can live out His life through our lives (Galatians 4:19; 5:22, 23; Romans 6:13). Note: This is not a condition for salvation as the “Lordship In Exchange For Salvation” people teach. We should submit to Christ’s Lordship over our lives because we have been saved, not in order to be saved. If you’re saved, have you submitted to His Lordship yet? Is He your Master? If not, why not? Are you afraid that He might ask you to do something you don’t want to do? Are you interested in pleasing God or yourself (See 2 Corinthians 5:9, 10)? When God saved us, He gave us His quality of life – eternal life (John 3:16; 5:24) and we began to participate in the Divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). He began to put new desires in our hearts (Philippians 2:13). When He does this, He gives us the power and resources to do them (Philippians 3:10; 4:19; See Ephesians 2:10; 3:20). We bring joy and blessings to His heart when we do His “desirous will” for our lives. He in turn makes us happy too. But, in spite of all this, many Christians frequently quench the Holy Spirit’s leading in their lives (Romans 8:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:19) and render Him inoperative. The Apostle Paul wrote, “If we deny Him (i.e. say “no” to Him), He also will deny us (say “no”) to us” (2 Timothy 2:12). Don’t ask God for favors if you’re disobedient to Him. This verse is not teaching that we will lose our salvation but we could lose rewards, crowns, and/or praise from God (Revelation 3:11).

Growth. Even though some parents may say that they want their babies to stay small, they really want them to grow up to be normal, well adjusted human beings who can reproduce themselves. New Christians need the “milk of the Word” (1 Peter 2:2) and then the “meat/solid food” of God’s Word (2 Peter 3:18). God has provided everything we need for life and godliness in His Word (2 Peter 1:3). But it must grieve the heart of God to see so many Christians remaining in a state of spiritual infancy and/or carnality (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Corinthians 3:1-4; Hebrews 5:12-14). How much spiritual growth has taken place in your life? Would this make God happy? If not, what needs to change?

Walk. Rather than crawling around everywhere, God wants His children to learn how to walk (order their lives) by means of the Holy Spirit so we don’t fulfill the lusts (strong desires) of the flesh/sin nature (Galatians 5:16-25; See 1John 1:8; Romans 7:14-25). It brings delight to the heart of God and to spiritual leaders when they see believers walking in love and truth (Ephesians 5:2; 2 John 1:4), and in the light as God Himself is in the light (1 John 1:7). Not only are we saved by one act of faith (Ephesians 2:8), we are to continue to live in an attitude of faith and claim the promises that were addressed to New Testament grace believers (Romans 1:17; Hebrews 4:2; 10:38). Regrettably, most Christians live by sight rather than by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7) and only a few of them are aware of God’s promises and mix them with faith and live restful, joyful lives (Hebrews 4:2-16; Philippians 4:6, 7).

Be Filled. “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). This verse tells us that not all Christians are filled with the Spirit; all can be filled; all should be filled; and all can/should be filled again and again. This “filling of the Holy Spirit” involves His making up in our lives where we are lacking. But instead of our being spiritual Christians (1 Corinthians 2:15) who allow the Holy Spirit to produce the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22,23) in their lives, and who then direct this fruit toward the right objects, at the right time, for the right reasons (1 John 2:15-17; Ephesians 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31), many (perhaps most) Christians act carnally and are governed by their old sin nature (See 1 John 1:8; Romans 7:14-25; 1 Corinthians 3:1-4). Habitual carnality and sinful (lawless – 1 John 3:4) behavior can lead to a Christian’s premature, painful, physical death (James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16). Is this your condition right now? If so, immediate repentance (a change of mind – 2 Corinthians 7:9) and honest confession of your known sins could prevent your premature death (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13). The believer’s chastening by God the Father is limited to this life so that he/she will not be condemned later with the world (1 Corinthians 11:30-32; Hebrews 12:5-11). The idea of Purgatory, where one pays for his venial sins before entering heaven, is not found in the Scriptures. The Apostle Paul wrote, “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present [immediately] with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Unity. In His High Priestly prayer to God the Father, Jesus said, “I do not pray for these [disciples] alone, but also for those who will believe in Me [in the future] through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:19, 20). Most people don’t believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. They may know and believe the facts of the Gospel but they haven’t transferred their faith from themselves and their good works over to Christ alone. True unity can only exist among those who are a part of God’s family, not among God’s children and the devil’s children (John 8:44; 1 John 3:8-10). To which family do you belong? Are you sure?

Yokes. True Christians are not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers…” (2 Corinthians 6:14). The Apostle Paul went further when he instructed the believers in the church in Corinth to put out of their fellowship the carnal Christian who was living in an incestuous relationship with his mother (1 Corinthians 5). So they did. But even after this man repented – changed his mind about his sin (2 Corinthians 7:9) and confessed it (1 John 1:9; James 5:16), they still didn’t want to forgive and restore him back into the fellowship of the church (See Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 18:34). So Paul gave them instructions to take him back into the church lest Satan take advantage of them (2 Corinthians 2:1-11). Sadly, too many carnal Christians bring disunity to the church over the wrong issues (Examples: the color of the choir robes, carpet, their favorite teachers, Et al) and render the church ineffective in its witness to the world (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:1-4). Note: God is opposed to man’s New World Order consisting of a One World Government, Religion, and Economic System (See Genesis 11:1-9; Acts 17:26; Revelation 17; 18; 19:11-16). He doesn’t want Christians promoting it. But God will allow rebellious man the opportunity to set one up, but it will only last for seven (7) years (Daniel 2:44, 45; 9:27; See Psalm 2). If Christ didn’t limit them, no flesh on earth would survive (Matthew 24:22). Man is not capable of ruling himself without God’s help (John 15:5). As is, over ½ of the world’s population will die during the 7 years of the Tribulation (Revelation 6:8; 9:15). The globalists, we’re told, want to reduce the population down to 500 million people. If this is the case, where will that leave you?     

Gifts. Our salvation is a gift from God that was purchased with Christ’s own blood (Ephesians 2:8, 9; 1 Peter 1:18, 19). When He ascended back to heaven after dying for our sins…and rising again, He gave “spiritual gifts” (special abilities) to Christians who make up the “Body of Christ – the True Church” (Ephesians 4:8-16; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12-14; 1 Peter 4:10). Some of these gifts were of a temporary nature until the Scriptures were completed (1 Corinthians 13:10; Hebrews 2:4). Others are extant and are still being given out to believers at the moment of their salvation. They need to be developed and used with Divine love for the glory of God and the good of others, primarily the Church (1 Corinthians 10:31; 13:1-13; Galatians 5:13).  Sadly, most of these spiritual gifts get left undiscovered and/or unused by most Christians. Some teachers of the Bible misinform people by telling them that all 20 spiritual gifts are still being given to the Church. Many carnal Christians seek the flashy gifts that aren’t being given out today. [1]

Love. The best that an Old Testament believer could do was to love his neighbor as himself  (Leviticus 19:18). Christ’s New Commandment is “…that you love one another [fellow believers] as I have loved you” (John 13:34, 35). This “agape” love needs to be directed back to God the Father and to His children first (1 John 2:15-17; 3:16, 17; See Galatians 6:10). We can’t love God and the world system at the same time. It’s passing away (See 2 Peter 3:10-13). It was devised by the devil, in the days of Cain, to control man’s sin nature (Luke 11:50, 51; Genesis 4:16-24). Sadly, there are some maturing Christians who misdirect God’s love toward the world system. The Apostle John says this must stop! Christians may use it but we’re not to abuse it by making it more important than God and His children (1 Corinthians 7:31; See Hebrews 10:24, 25).   

Witness. God usually leaves believers on this earth for awhile after He saves us. He wants all Christians to bear witness to His saving power (Romans 1:16, 17; Ephesians 3:20; Hebrews 7:25) and for us to share the Good News concerning Christ with lost people (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4) so we can earn the “Crown of Rejoicing” (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20; See Revelation 4:10, 11). Our lives need to correspond with our lips. We need to be ready to give an answer to those who ask us about our hope (1 Peter 3:15). But most Christians fail to tell others about the Savior and seem to be timid or ashamed of Him (2 Timothy 1:7, 8). Some distort the Gospel message (2 Corinthians 11:3, 13-15) and/or the method/way of salvation (Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). This produces many “professing Christians” who aren’t truly saved (1 Corinthians 15:2; See Matthew 7:21-23).   

Glory. God wants all His creatures to know that He is who He claims to be. He has revealed Himself through nature (Psalm 19:1), His Word – the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16, 17), and through God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:1-18). The chief end/purpose of man should be to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Sadly, many Christians are more interested in promoting themselves rather than God (Romans 12:3). Do you worship and serve the creature rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25)? In the end God will be glorified and everyone (spirit beings and human beings) will admit that Jesus Christ is the God-man (Philippians 2:11; See Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14).  These verses are NOT teaching “Universal Salvation.”

Check Up. God wants His children to examine themselves on a regular basis (1 Corinthians 11:28). “An unexamined life is not worth living.” One day, at the “Bema Seat Judgment,” every Christian will have his/her works examined to determine which ones are rewardable and which ones get burned up because they are worthless (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10). This judgment will NOT be to determine if one gets into heaven or not.

Judgment. Even though God accepts all true Christians in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), and graciously teaches (1 John 2:20, 27), disciplines (Hebrews 12:5-11), empowers (Matthew 28:19, 20), rewards (1 Corinthians 3:11-15), guides (John 16:13) and enables (Philippians 4:13) us to grow spiritually (2 Peter 3:18), many (perhaps most) Christians fail to carry out the responsibilities that God has placed on them. With God’s help you don’t have to be one who grieves God (Ephesians 4:30).

Grace. In spite of this, at the time of the Rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52), God will raise all the dead New Testament Christians, and translate/transform the living Christians, and then judge their works and reward what He can (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 15:51, 52). Then He makes the true Church His Bride (Ephesians 5:22) and takes her to His home in heaven (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:9-27). Will you miss out on some crowns, rewards, and praise because you were carnal? If you are, repent and then confess your known sins to God, and start abiding (feeling at ease) in His presence so that He feels at ease in your presence (John 15:1-8).

Motivation. Doesn’t God’s marvelous grace deserve a response of love and obedience from true Christians (John 14:15; 15:10)? Living each day with Christ’s imminent return in mind will (1) encourage us to be pure (1 John 3:3), (2) bring us true happiness (Titus 2:13), and (3) comfort us in times of sorrow (1 Thessalonians 4:18)? Ask yourself, “Am I pleasing God or self?” (2 Corinthians 5:9). With God’s help, what changes will I start making today (James 4:14, 17)?

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 25; 3:16, 17). We’d like to hear from you. We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” If this article has helped you, please let us know how it has, and then SHARE it with others.

This article is an expansion of some of the material I have on my website under “Understanding The Times Dispensations Chart.”  If you’re not sure you’re truly saved, please read “The Bad News & The Good News.”

[1] Spiritual Gifts. See “Basic Bible Docs” on our website.

Please watch “The Ultimate Final” by Dr. Howard Hendricks  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKaavuDlvZ4

“God’s Will For Us” Part 4

Do you love mystery novels or movies – the “Who done it” kind? Some people cheat and take the fun out by reading the last chapter first. Maybe you record ball games on TV so you don’t have to watch all the commercials. But if you cheat and look at the end of the game first, the thrill is gone. God is never surprised because He knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10).  We don’t believe in “open theism” that says God doesn’t know all things (Psalm 139:4, 16). You can’t hide from Him and keep Him from judging you someday (Psalm 10; Hebrews 9:27).

When it comes to mysteries in the Bible, there are a lot of people who are in the dark. Much of it doesn’t make any sense to them at all. Part of this is due to the natural, unsaved man’s inability to welcome or receive the things of God. It seems to be foolishness (1Corinthians 2:14). It’s like having only an AM radio and not an AM / FM radio to receive certain signals.

There are a number of things that are called “mysteries” within the pages of Scripture. “A mystery is truth hidden in the Old Testament but revealed in the New Testament for the further maturing of Grace believers. According to His will, a mystery was revealed only to Christians that were maturing, or of full age (Romans 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:6; Ephesians 3:5, 9; Colossians. 1:26, 27).” – Dr. H. L. Schafer. To mature spiritually as he/she should, a Christian needs to –

Know About The Riches Of The Indwelling Christ (Colossians 1:27). When we were saved we received eternal life – God’s quality of life that never ends or which we can lose (John 3:16, 36; 10:28, 29; 1 John 5:12). When God’s life is lived out through our lives, as we display the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22, 23), He is glorified as others learn more about Him (John 15:8). God’s glory deals with His opinion that He has concerning Himself (John 1:14; 2:11). It is totally accurate in every way (John 14:6). He sees Himself as He really is and tells us some things about Himself and then demonstrates that truth to us by doing something to prove it. His “I AM…” statements in the Gospel of John (6:35, 48; 8:12; 9:5; 10:7, 9; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1) demonstrate the fact that He is God in human flesh and came to manifest the Godhead to humanity (John 1:14; 17:4, 5). He shares total equality with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit (Colossians 1:19; 2:9; Matthew 28:19). When Christ comes back for His Bride, the true Church (John 14:1-3), we will become the epitome of our potential and then be permanentized and made like Christ’s glorified humanity, not His deity (1 John 3:2). We won’t become gods to populate other planets as some cults teach (Matthew 22:30). At that same time our souls (emotions) will be saved (1 Peter 1:9) and so will our mortal bodies (Romans 8:17, 23; 1 Corinthians 15:53). Our glorified bodies will be made like Christ’s and will consist of flesh and bones, but will lack blood (Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 15:5). Yes, we will be able to eat too but we won’t have to eat or drink to stay alive.

Ask For Yourself According To God’s Will (1 John 5:14, 15). Basically, we have three ways of asking things from God. Supplication is simply a cry for God’s help (Ephesians 6:18). We don’t tell God how to answer our requests or demand anything from Him which would be blasphemy (1 Timothy 1:20). Supplication is something we do most often for ourselves since we rarely know what is best for ourselves (Psalm 23:3). Intercession is primarily a request for or against another person (1 Timothy 2:1; Romans 11:2). Yes, we may ask God to thwart the activities of evil doers (Psalm 10). Asking in Jesus’ name involves our asking as Jesus Himself would ask were He in our place (John 14:13, 14; 15:16, 23, 24). We are to ask as a subordinate to a superior Person (Ephesians 3:20; Colossians 1:9), not as an equal to Him as Jesus sometimes did when He communicated with His Father (John 14:16; 16:26).

Suffer If Necessary For Living A Consistent Testimony. (1 Peter 3:17; 4:19). Most Christians who live in the United States have had to suffer very little for the cause of Christ as other believers from around the world have had to suffer. All Christians will suffer to some degree with Christ (Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:12). But few of us have ever suffered like the Apostle Paul did so he could reach others for Christ and see them saved (2 Corinthians 11:23-33; 2 Timothy 2:10). The “Crown of Life” will be given to the martyrs who died for their faith rather than deny Christ or worship Caesar (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).

Live The Rest Of Your Life In The Will Of God (1 Peter 4:2). We can’t change our past life of sin and shame (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). But having been washed, sanctified, and justified, we can/should live our lives to please God in all that we do and say (2 Corinthians 5:9). We have potential years that may average out to about 70 or 80 years (Psalm 90:10; See Genesis 5; Isaiah 65:20). But our actual years may be much shorter if we engage in sinful behavior (Ephesians 6:3; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 11:30; James 5:20; 1 John 5:16). The years we spend on earth may be productive or wasted years (Ecclesiastes 1:2; 12:1; 1 Corinthians 3:12-17).  Let’s buy up the opportunities that we have because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16).

Twelve. There are twelve aspects of God’s desirous will for us as Christians that have been recorded for us in the Scriptures. To learn about them, we must make sure that our known sins have been confessed to God and others (1 John 1:9; See James 5:16). We need to be “filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) so He can illuminate our minds to the truth of His Word (1 John 2:20, 27). Bible believing Pastor/teachers can assist Christians who are teachable, willing to change, and who will study God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; Ephesians 4:11-16).

Power. God energizes us to do the things that will please Him (Philippians 2:13). But some Christians quench Him (1 Thessalonians 5:19). He wants us to work out (not for) the salvation that He gave to us when we put our faith in Christ who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (Philippians 4:12, 13).

Help. For personal direction and decision making in other areas of life, a Christian who is rightly related to God the Holy Spirit may ask for and expect Him to give him God’s wisdom if he/she is not double minded (James 1:5-8).

Questions. Are you stagnating or growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Does all the above information seem foolish to you (1 Corinthians 1:18, 21; 2:14)? What’s your present relationship with God? Are you a true Christian or just a nominal one? Have you believed in vain (1 Corinthians 15:2)? Do you have assurance of your salvation (1 John 5:13)? Why should God let you into His heaven (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5)? If you believe that you are saved, is there anything you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation (Romans 8:35-39)?  If you think there is something, what would it be?

Assistance. We’re here for you if you need additional information or if you want to have a “know so salvation” (2 Timothy 1:12). We want to help Christians grow spiritually (2 Peter 3:18). We can be reached at 805-38-3549 or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If this article has helped you, we’d like to hear from you and ask you to share it with someone else too. Thanks. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

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

Clear Gospel – Audio: http://www.duluthbible.org/the-gospel-audiobook/

God Honoring Music: www.abidingradio.org

“Travel Tips”

If you MUST speed while driving, sing these hymns loudly:

at 45 mph…. “God Will Take Care of Me”

at 55 mph…. “Guide me, O Great Jehovah”

at 65 mph…. “Nearer My God to Thee”

at 75 mph…. “Nearer Still Nearer”

at 85 mph…. “This World is Not My Home”

at 95 mph…. “Lord, I’m Coming Home”

at 100 mph…. “Precious Memories”

http://www.cybersalt.org/clean-jokes/speeding-hymns

 

   My dad set a good example for us by praying for travel mercies before we started out on a trip or even short distances. I have picked up the habit. Yes, we do have guardian angels (Hebrews 1:14; 1 Peter 1:12) but let’s drive responsibly and glorify our God by our driving habits. We are supposed to obey the speed limits and signs that were designed to protect all the travelers on the road (Romans 13).

   I’ve found that travel time is a good time to listen to the reading of the Scriptures or listening to good Christian music to calm the nerves. I try to think about the needs of the other drivers who may not have a living hope like Christians do. If you have children in the car, it’s a good time to teach them about God and His Word (Deuteronomy 6:7; Ephesians 6:4).

   My office is on a busy street and many accidents have happened right outside of it. When they do, I try to find out if anyone was injured and then share a Gospel tract with them and invite them to church.

   Have you ever thought about thanking God for getting you safely to your destination (Ephesians 5:20)? Even if we should be in an “accident” (incident) that wasn’t our fault, we can/should give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18) because we know that God is still in control.

If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”  Please share this with others if it’s helped you.  For additional help, go to http://www.kelseypeach.com

http://www.abidingradio.org (For good music)

“God’s Will For Us” Part 3

Throughout our lives we have choices to make as to whether we will or won’t do certain things. In His Word, God has revealed to us that He wants all mankind to be saved from having to spend eternity with the devil and his angels in the lake of fire (John 3:16, 18, 36; Matthew 25:41, 46; 1 Timothy 2:4). Sadly, most people choose not to accept His offer of deliverance from that awful place (John 3:18-21, 36; 5:40).

God also has a desirous will for every Christian. He wants all of us to be –

Pure. We all have a sin nature (disposition) that perverts what is decent and good (1 John 1:8; Galatians 5:19-21; See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). But it is God’s desirous will for us, as Christians, that we live morally pure lives now that they have become God’s children by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Peter 1:15, 16). Living in the light of Christ’s imminent return should help us live pure lives (John 14:1-3; 1 John 3:3). To overcome the temptations that come from our sin nature, a Christian must learn how to walk (order his life) by means of God the Holy Spirit. When a Christian does this, he/she won’t give in to the perverted desires (lusts) that come from his/her sin nature – the flesh (Galatians 5:16, 25; See Romans 7:15-25).

Thankful. Ungratefulness is a characteristic of many people, especially in our day and age (2 Timothy 3:2). But every Christian can/should continually offer up thanksgiving to God for past, present, and future benefits that come from God (James 1:17). Christians are admonished to give thanks in the midst of every situation in which they find themselves (1 Thessalonians 5:18-20). We should do this because we know that God is in control over everything and that He is working all things out for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). We’re also supposed to give thanks for everything (Ephesians 5:18-20). There are no accidents with Christians, only incidents. One more thing. We’re to give thanks for the people whom God brings into or allows to come into our lives (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Some of them act as chisels, hammers, or saws to make us more like Jesus (Galatians 3:19).

Good. God Himself is a good God who desires the happiness of others (Matthew 19:17). He wants His children to have and display this part of the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22, 23) toward others, especially to those of the household of faith (1 Peter 2:15; Galatians 6:10). By our doing good we can muzzle the ignorance of foolish men who mock us and blaspheme God. Christians should not use their liberty in Christ as a cloak of vice (Romans 3:8; 6:1). The price of freedom is eternal vigilance (1 Peter 5:8).

Action. Right decisions need to be followed up with right actions (James 4:17; Ephesians 2:8-10). God knows when we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins…and rose again on the third day. This faith in Christ alone results in our being saved (Acts 16:31). But other people don’t know about our faith without seeing our good works (James 1:22; 2:18-20). “When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that is in itself a choice.” – William James. If you are a Christian, are you sharing the Gospel with lost people so they can be saved? Are you well pleasing to God or grieving and quenching Him (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19)?

Trial. If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Are you being “led by God the Holy Spirit” (Romans 8:14), “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18), and “walking by means of the Holy Spirit” (Galatians 5:16, 25)? Do you have un-confessed sins in your life? Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4). Would you like to know for sure that your sins are forgiven and that you’re headed for heaven (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:9; 5:13)?

Help. We’re her to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15). We can be reached at 805-238-3549 or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If this has helped you, please share it with others. If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” We’re also doing some Facebook live audio/video presentations for those who want the “meat of the Word” instead of just “milk” (Hebrews 5:12-14).

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

Clear Gospel – Audio: http://www.duluthbible.org/the-gospel-audiobook/

God’s Simple Plan Of Salvation – (In 24 languages) http://kelseypeach.com/goodnews.htm

God Honoring Music: www.abidingradio.org