God And His Word Are All That We Need

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[3] Bible Study Book Marker and Dispensations Chart –

Click to access 08892a_ce5bb78881fa4f50a6c866dd9ab0adfe.pdf

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

“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

My Personal Prayer List

Most of us know a lot more people than we realize. We may not know their names, but we are acquainted with some of them. God has brought these people into our lives for a reason. Many of them are struggling physically, financially, emotionally, and spiritually. They are people for whose sins Christ died and rose again so they can be saved from hell to heaven. Ask God to make you a blessing to someone today.

As Christians, our main purpose in life is / should be to glorify God by making Him known to others (1 Corinthians 10:31). We should desire the salvation of all mankind (1 Timothy 2:1-4), help new believers grow spiritually (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18), encourage them to use their spiritual gift with love (1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 5:13). Then help them reproduce themselves (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8).

Think about what your life would be like if you went to a store to purchase something and the people who worked there didn’t show up for work to serve you? It has happened to us. It’s sad when people are paid more (by the government) not to work, than for them to work? Did you know that we can / should intercede for or against others, including our politicians (1 Timothy 2:1-4; Romans 11:2).

When I go to a store, I try to thank the people for their service, and share a “Gospel tract” with them if I can. (It’s usually the tract I wrote about “Our Son’s Death.”) Many of them identify with a loss of a loved one or a friend. I ask them to read it when they get home or are on their lunch break. The Gospel is the power of God unto people’s salvation (Romans 1:16). It’s the same message for Jews and non-Jews.

Here is a list of some of the people who serve us:

Mailman/UPS Driver – Paperboy/Editor – Physician/Nurse – Chiropractor – Optometrist – Pharmacist – Mortician/Funeral Director – Insurance Agent – Stock Broker – Barber/Beautician – Salesman/Clerk – Tax Advisor – Babysitter – President of PTA – Banker/Credit Manager – T.V. Repair Man – Plumber/Electrician – Heating/AC Man – Florist/Gardener – Painter/Welder – Pet Shop Owner – Real Estate Broker – Policeman/Fireman – Dry Cleaner – Auto Mechanic – Travel Agent – Pilot/Flight Attendant – Bus Driver – Piano Teacher – Carpenter – Lab Technician – Computer Programer – Chef/Waitress – Social Worker – Secretary/Librarian – Air Traffic Controller – Grocery Store Clerk – Others.

All of these people have an eternal destiny. Their lives and your life on earth could end today. Make every day count. Don’t boast about tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1; James 4;14).

If they are wearing a name tag say, “Thank you ________. I appreciate your service today.”

“Remember that a person’s name is to that person

the sweetest sound in any language.” – Dale Carnegie

Gospel Tracts – Make sure, if you use them, that they clearly present the Good News of Christ’s death for our sins...and His bodily resurrection from the dead. And make sure that it makes faith (believing in/on Christ alone) as the only condition for salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Acts 16:31).

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

The Use Of Tracts – https://www.wholesomewords.org/etexts/torrey/tracts.html

“No Resurrection = No Hope” https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2020/07/16/no-res-no-hope/

“Our Son’s Death” – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2016/04/12/the-death-of-our-son/

A Pebble In Your Shoe?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Atheism, Agnosticism, Theism, and Deism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[1] The Tribulation –

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

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

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

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

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

[5] Repentance –

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Gospel by which we are saved –

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

Why Do You Fear Death?

Most people fear death because they aren’t sure what might happen to them after they die. Is this your concern? If it is, please keep reading. Otherwise, give this to someone who might be interested or near death.

Some people believe that all of us will be annihilated when we die. Others believe in “reincarnation” and hope they will have another chance to “get it right” so they eventually can get to “Nirvana.”

Going to “Purgatory” first, before one can enter heaven, is taught in some churches because they don’t believe that Christ’s work on the cross was sufficient to cover all their sins. What do you believe?

Is it possible for us to know for sure that we will go to heaven immediately when we die? Yes, if we believe that Jesus and the Bible are truthful / trustworthy sources of information (John 14:6; 17:17).

The Bad News

We’ve all sinned / acted lawlessly. God’s Word tells us that “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” “… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (See Romans 3:10-12, 23).

“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). It is acting defiantly toward God Who has placed helpful restraints on us. It entails the attitude, “I’ll do whatever I want to do.”

We all deserve to die spiritually and physically. Death means separation, not annihilation. When Eve and then Adam ate the forbidden fruit they were immediately separated spiritually from intimate fellowship with God, and they began to die physically (Genesis 2:16, 17; 5:5). This is when sin and death entered into the world (Romans 5:12). And “…the wages [i.e., payment] of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a).

Therefore “… it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Death is a “general rule.” (Note some exceptions: Genesis 5:24; 2 Kings 2:1, 11; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52)

The Gospel (Good News)

Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4a). Why? To pay the debt that we all owed to God (Romans 6:23a). “He was buried…” Why? To prove that He really died and didn’t just swoon / faint.

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by [God] the [Holy] Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18).

Christ rose again bodily on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:4b-6; Luke 24:36-43). “… He was seen by [Peter], then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present [as the Apostle Paul was writing this], but some have fallen asleep [i.e., died physically].”

The Solution To Our Problem

What must we do to be saved from hell and enter heaven?

(Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; John 14:1-3)

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ [alone, Who died for ours sins…and rose again bodily], and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).

“For God [the Father] so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son [the Lord Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have [eternal] life.” “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16, 18). Are you currently an unbeliever or a believer?

Our salvation is not by works. “For by grace [unmerited favor] you [are] saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast”(Ephesians 2:8, 9).

Time To Decide

My Friend, If you want to be saved from hell to heaven, but haven’t transferred your faith and trust from yourself and your good works over to Christ alone, let me encourage you to do so NOW! We have no guarantee that we will be alive at the end of today (Proverbs 27:1; James 4:14).

True believers can have assurance of their salvation as they rest their faith in Christ and the trustworthiness of God’s Word (John 17:17).

“[God] the [Holy] Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that [believers] are children of God,” and no longer the children of the devil (Romans 8:16; John 8:44; 1 John 3:9, 10). “These things I [the Apostle John] have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life…” [as a present possession] (1 John 5:13).

Christians, who are abiding [feeling at ease] in Christ (John 15:1-8), and who have their known sins confessed to God (1 John 1:9), don’t need to fear death. Death is only a shadow that can’t hurt us (Psalm 23:4). And “…to be absent from the body [means being] present with the Lord [which is far better]” (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23).

* * * * *

Once we’ve been saved, God wants His children to share this Good News (Gospel) with others so they can be saved too.

“…you shall be [My] witnesses…” (Acts 1:8). “And [Jesus] said to [His disciples], ‘Go into all the world and [proclaim] the gospel to every creature’” (Mark 16:15). If you’ve been saved, will you do this?

If you need additional help, please contact us through our website:

www.kelseypeach.com

c. 2022 Wm. Kelsey Pietsch Ministries

Scripture taken from the New King James Version

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

Our Neighbors In Heaven

Have you ever given much thought about who might be your “next door neighbors” in heaven (provided you’re a true Christian)? I hadn’t. But one author made an interesting observation about them. He pointed out that some of them might be those who once were fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, sodomites, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners, cowards, abominable, murderers, sorcerers, or liars. Be honest. Have you ever engaged in such sinful behavior yourself? We all have a dark side of us that we don’t want others to see. Right? [1]

Lawlessness. We’ve all sinned (acted lawlessly – 1 John 3:4) and deserve physical death and spiritual death – to be eternally separated from God in hell (Romans 3:10-23; 6:23). But there is hope for us sinners, if we’re still alive physically. We don’t pray for or to the dead as some cults and religions do. Read on.

Carnality. In his letter to the carnal Christians in the church of Corinth, the Apostle Paul wrote these words, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Sinless Perfection? Does this mean that Christians, once saved, can’t engage in such sins anymore? No. But they can’t keep on practicing such things without severe consequences in this life alone (1 John 3:9, 10). God the Father disciplines and chastens His own children (Hebrews 10:30; 31; 12:5 ff).

Because of their carnality, many of the Corinthians Christians were weak and sick, and many of them had died physically (1 Corinthians 11:30; See also James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16). “It is a fearful thing [for a carnal Christian] to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). Are you one of them? Beware! If you are, you could die prematurely and painfully.

Confession. When we sin as Christians, we need to quickly confess our sins to our heavenly Father and then claim His forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13). Being omniscient, He can’t / won’t forget our sins, but He won’t hold them against us (Ezekiel 33:16). Sometime in the days ahead He will allow us to be tempted in that same area again to give another opportunity to demonstrate our love for Him or our love for the passing pleasures we derive for engaging in sin (James 1:12; Hebrews 11:25; 1 John 2:15-17). Think about this. If sin weren’t pleasurable to us, we wouldn’t engage in it. Right?

Danger. “Sin (lawlessness) will take us farther than we want to go, keep us longer than we want to stay, and cost us more than we want to pay.” Discover how Christians can live victoriously over our three spiritual enemies: the devil, the present world system, and our own sin nature. [2]

How Bad? You and I haven’t been as bad as we could be. We could be a lot worse. Right? But every unbeliever is as “bad off” as he/she can be. Those who die physically without the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior will spend eternity with the devil and his angels in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 21:8).

Suffering. The unbeliever’s degree of suffering there will be determined at the Great White Throne Judgement by the Righteous Judge Jesus (John 5:22; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 20:11-15). What about the condition of those who die before that day? Click below. [3]

Righteousness / Love. God is not unjust even though He didn’t / doesn’t provide salvation for the fallen angels / demons. He didn’t have to provide salvation for us either. But God the Father wanted to show His love for sinful human beings who were His enemies (Romans 5:10). So He gave us His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16). He became the virgin born God-man (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Philippians 2:5-11). He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15), and then died as a Substitute for all our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19). But a dead Savior can’t help or save anyone.

Bodily Resurrection. To prove to us that God the Father was fully satisfied with Christ’s death and payment for all our sins, He raised Him from the dead (Romans 4:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10). His bodily resurrection guarantees other bodily resurrections of all those who have died (1 Corinthians 15:21-24; Daniel 12:2; Revelation 11:11; 20:11-15). The Scriptures teach the resurrections of the justified ones and the unjustified ones at different times. There is no annihilation of the wicked dead, or reincarnation taught in the Scriptures. “… it is appointed for men to die once, but [sometime] after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). In which one will you participate?

Forgiveness. We (Christians) are judicially forgiven of our sins when we place our faith and trust in Christ alone (Ephesians 1:7; 2:8, 9; Acts 16:31) through the message of the Gospel. Christians have been justified (Romans 5:1) and are no longer under condemnation (Romans 8:1). We are eternally secure in God’s hands (John 10:28, 29; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). These things are but a few of the benefits believer’s receive at the moment of salvation. (See Ephesians 1:3 ff) [4]

Questions: Be honest. Are you 100% certain that you will go to heaven the moment you die? Why should God let you into His heaven? If you believe you’re saved, is there any thing you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation? If so, what would that be? [5] If you are saved and know it (Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13), how much spiritual growth has taken place in your life (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18)? How much “spiritual fruit” is evident in your life for others to see (John 15:1-8)? “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18).

Fruit. “This fruit can be seen in Christlike character (2 Peter 1:5-8; Galatians 5:22, 23), a life characterized by good works (Colossians 1:10), a faithful witness (1 Corinthians 16:15), a pair of lips that praise God (Hebrews 13:15), and through generous giving of one’s money (Romans 15:28; Philippians 4:17).  – Dr. Charles C. Ryrie “So Great Salvation” p. 50.

Limited. We’ll only be here for just a little while longer (2 Timothy 4:6; James 4:14; 2 Peter 1:12-15) to assist you and others who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18).

Contact us if you have questions and/or comments. Please let us know if this or other articles or our talks have helped you. We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

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

Click on “Follow” if you’d like to receive future articles as they come out. Share the ones you like with others.

[1] Our Dark Side. https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2022/12/04/my-shameful-past/

[2] Three Spiritual Enemies: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2021/07/08/the-blame-game/

[3] Intermediate Bodies – http://bartimaeus.us/pub_dom/intermediate_body.html

[4] Spiritual Blessings: https://www.biblebelievers.com/ream_b1.html

[5] Gospel Presentations: How we become a true Christian.

“The Bad News & The Good News”

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

Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

Where Do I Start?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

Death Bed Conversions?

I’ve had the privilege of leading some people to Christ for their salvation during the last moments of their lives. I believe that as long as a person is physically alive, there is hope for him/her. But once a person dies, his/her eternal destiny is set. There are no second opportunities to be saved. We do not pray for dead people or to them. So then –

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:13, 14). “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

It is our desire to share the Gospel clearly with those whom we encounter in life, as the Holy Spirit leads us to various people (Romans 8:14; Learn about Philip in Acts 8:31-40). Since it’s not always suitable to talk to a person who is checking out my purchases at a store, or to someone with whom I have a brief conversation, I try to share a Gospel tract with them and ask them to read it when they have an opportunity to do so. [1]

The Gospel for our salvation is very simple so that even young children can understand their need of Christ and trust in Him alone for their salvation/deliverance from hell to heaven. Christian parents can/should share the Gospel with their children while they are young so they can be saved. They need to make sure of their own salvation first. There is no greater joy than to lead our children to the Lord and then help them grow spiritually (3 John 1:4; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18). We also can earn the “Crown of Rejoicing” for doing this (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20).

I tell people, “Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the dead. If you place your faith and trust in Him alone, He will save you instantly and eternally.” (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Acts 16:31). [2]

This is the message I’ve shared with many people who weren’t saved and with those who had some doubts about their salvation. It’s wonderful for them and for me to know that they’ve made this decision to trust in Christ alone, not in their good works, or in their faith plus their good works (Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5), and that they will be taken to heaven the moment they die (2 Corinthians 5:8). Sadly, this is not what happens to unbelievers (Luke 16:19-31; See Revelation 20:11-15; 21:8). Please don’t be one of them.

Do you have assurance of your salvation (1 John 5:13; Romans 8:16)? If not, we’re willing to assist you if you’ll contact us here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

[1] R. A. Torrey – The Use Of Gospel Tracts – (Please read this.) https://www.wholesomewords.org/etexts/torrey/tracts.html

Mitsuo Fuchida, the man who lead the attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II, was given a pamphlet by my father, Timothy Pietsch, after one of our street meetings in Japan. He became a professing Christian. Read more here: https://www.biblebelievers.com/fuchida1.html

Video: My Life In Japan – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX8JXf0QKfw (Start at time 10:10)

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

Seed Planter – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2022/02/24/just-a-gospel-seed-planter/

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

How Sure Are You? – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/01/17/your-eternal-destiny-how-sure-are-you/

My Friend’s Death – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/10/30/my-friends-death/

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

Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

“I Never Knew You; Depart From Me” – Jesus

HOW SAD it would be if… No, how TRAGIC it will be for those who know the facts of the Gospel and even believe them to be true, and yet don’t place their faith/trust in Christ alone, Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the dead on the third day. [1] Such people, who die without Christ as their personal Savior, will suffer more in the lake of fire than those who have never heard about Him (Matthew 11:22, 24; Revelation 20:12, 13). Will this be true of you? We sincerely hope it won’t be.

Some people, living in the “Seven Year Tribulation” (Revelation 6-19), will refuse to take the “Mark of the Beast” (Revelation 13:17; 14:9-11). [2] Some of them will prophesy in Christ’s name, cast out demons, and do many wonders in His name. And yet He will say to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:21:23; 25:30, 41, 46).

No one is saved by his/her good works lest any of us should boast. Good works are the result of one’s being saved (Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:18). When a Christian “abides (feels at ease) in Christ,” he/she will produce much fruit (John 15:1-8). “Spiritual fruit might involve our having and displaying a Christlike character (2 Peter 1:5-8; Galatians 5:22, 23), a life characterized by good works (Colossians 1:10), being a faithful witness (Romans 1:13; 1 Corinthians 16:15), a pair of lips that praise God (Hebrews 13:15, 16), and generous giving”  (Romans 15:28; Philippians 4:17). (See Dr. Charles Ryrie, So Great Salvation, p. 50)

As a general rule, all of us are going to die (Hebrews 9:27). There have been and there will be a few exceptions in the future (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52). (If you’d like more information, contact us.)

Do you think that you will go to heaven the moment you die? [4] If so, how sure are you – 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, 0%? Do you believe that you must go to a purging place before you get into heaven by the back door? Why do you think God should let you into His heaven – Your good works? Your faith plus your good works? Your faith in Christ alone? If you believe you’re saved, is there anything you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation? If so, what would it be?

Need More Information? We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and grow. Contact us here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If this information has helped you, please SHARE it with others. To receive future articles as they come out, click on Follow.

For further reading:

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

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

[3] https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2021/07/10/lifes-pursuits/

[4] https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/01/17/your-eternal-destiny-how-sure-are-you/

An Open Letter

To: Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, Missionaries, et al.

Dear Fellow Christian,

I’m passionate about glorifying God by trying my best to make Him known to those around me through any and every legitimate, God honoring way. I want to do my part in evangelizing the lost with the Good News concerning Christ’s death for our sins…and His bodily resurrection from the dead. I want unbelievers to know that by simple faith in Him alone, they can/will be saved.

I also want to have a part in edifying believers and helping them do their work of ministry through the use of their spiritual gifts with love (1 Corinthians 13).

I’d like to highly recommend to you several books and tracts written by veteran Evangelist Dr. R. Larry Moyer of EvanTell. God has used him in leading many people to Christ and helping Christians do the work of evangelism.

Note: I haven’t been paid to promote his books or tracts. But I appreciate him and others who faithfully and clearly present the Gospel so lost people can be saved.

Here are just a few of the books and tracts of Larry’s that I’d like to encourage you to get and read. Then put what you learn into practice in your daily life:

https://evantell-org.myshopify.com/search?q=the+3+minute+window

Show Me How To Share The Gospel

https://evantell-org.myshopify.com/search?q=101+tips+for+evangelism

Gospel Tracts

Help. 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). Please contact us here or through our website if you have questions and/or comments. Please SHARE this with others. Thanks.

Happy to still be able to serve my Lord,

Wm. Kelsey Pietsch

www.kelseypeach.com

www.kelseypeach.wordpress.com