“Awesome Responsibilities”

  What do you want to be when you grow up?  Art Linkletter used to ask that to kids on his television program.  Perhaps some of those same kids, now grown up, still haven’t figured out what they really want to do in life.  As one motivational speaker said, “They are wandering generalities rather than meaningful specifics.”  What about you?
  L.B.J.  Recently I read this story.  When elected President, Lyndon B. Johnson asked a famous evangelist what position he would like to have in his administration.  Without a moment’s thought the evangelist said, “Sir, I believe that Jesus Christ has called me to preach the gospel.  To me that is the highest calling any man could have on earth.”
  Search And Rescue.  Without a doubt there must be great satisfaction in the lives of those who are involved in the business of searching for lost people and rescuing them from danger.  They risk their own lives to save others.  If you are involved in this kind of business, we salute you and appreciate you for your work.
  Shepherds.  Have you ever met a shepherd?  That occupation is not in high demand today in our society.  I’ve never seen a want ad for that position.   Have you?  But good shepherds are needed today more than ever.  They need to have exceptional qualifications for the job.  So do their assistants and their wives (1 Timothy 3:1-13).
  The Good Shepherd.  Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd.  He laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:11, 14). A “hireling” shepherd, when encountering a wolf, might flee rather than protect the sheep that doesn’t belong to him.
  Awesome Responsibilities.  When a man takes on the role of a bishop (overseer) of a local church that belongs to Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 3:1-7), he has some awesome responsibilities that he must fulfill.  He must not treat his job lightly.
  Surveillance.  He needs to know that he is under the watchful eye of the omniscient “Chief Shepherd” Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 3:8).  If he does his work well, he will receive the crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4).  But if he does the work in the wrong way or for the wrong reasons he could be disqualified and/or disciplined by God (1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 12:5, 6).  
  Apostate Teachers.  If he is an unsaved, apostate teacher he will be judged by Jesus Christ at the Great White Throne judgment (John 5:22).  Then he will be cast into hell and suffer with the devil and his angels (demons) forever (Matthew 25:41, 46; Jude 1:13).  His torment in hell will exceed that of those whom he misled (Revelation 20:13; Matthew 23:13-36). 
  Higher Standards.  Bible teachers are held to a higher standard than those whom they teach (James 3:1).  If they twist the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:16) or preach another gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) or another Christ, a curse rests on them (2 Corinthians 11:4, 13-15; Galatians 1:6-9).
  Content.  The Word of God, contained in the 66 books of the Bible, has all that the Christian needs for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).  Everything in it is the truth (John 17:17).  It tells us the truth about God, ourselves, the way of salvation, spirit beings, man’s future and much more.
  All “For” But Not All “To.”  All of the Bible is for the Christian, but not all of it is addressed to him.  Those who fail to see the distinctions between the Jews, Gentiles, and the church are often confused and disappointed in life (1 Corinthians 10:32).  You can’t claim promises that weren’t offered to you.  
  Holocaust.  Don’t be taken in by those who believe in “Replacement Theology.”  It’s a serious heresy that is spreading rapidily again in some churches.  It is ani-Semitic.  Sadly, it is going to lead to another Holocaust far greater than the one in Nazi Germany. The Bible predicts it (Zechariah 14:2; Revelation 16:16).
  The Plague.  Woe to all the armies of the world that come to Armageddon (Revelation 16:13-16) to wipe the Jews off the face of the earth (Genesis 12:3).  A weapon of mass destruction will cause their flesh to drop off from their bones quickly (Zechariah 14:12).  It will be a gruesome scene as the birds eat their flesh (Revelation 19:17-19).
  Dispensations.  When a person interprets the Bible normally, historically, and grammatically, he comes to realize that God has had different rules for different people throughout history.  In the Bible they are called “dispensations” or “stewardships” (1 Corinthians 9:17; Ephesians 1:10; 3:2). They are not different ways of salvation. (For more information about “Dispensations” we invite you to go to our website for a free chart.)
  Preach The Word.  Too often a “preacher” talks about things other than the Word of God.  It is the Word of God that is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.  It pierces even to the division of the soul and spirit…and it is a discerner of the thoughts and intents (motivations) of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). 
  Can’t Stand This?  God’s ministers are told to “Convince, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).  Some folks don’t want any of this.  They want their preachers to speak smooth words to them and tell them how wonderful they are even though they are living in open rebellion toward God.  They have “itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3, 4).  This happened in the Old Testament times too (Isaiah 30:10).  
  The Church Today.  Many local churches around the world are filled with religious people who haven’t been “born again from above” (John 3:3).  Some are relying on their good works to get them into heaven while others are relying on their faith plus their good works.  Neither way saves a person from hell (Ephesians 2:8, 9).  Apostasy is rampant.
  One Way.  If you want to argue, argue with Jesus.  He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).  If you say that there are many ways to God, you’re calling Him a liar.  Some even thought He was a lunatic, including His half brothers (Matthew 13:55; Mark 3:21; John 7:5).  Isaiah the prophet predicted this (Isaiah 53:4).  It wasn’t until after His resurrection that His brothers believed in Him as the Messiah and as their personal Savior (1 Corinthians 15:7).  What are your thoughts abut Jesus Christ?  This is a critical matter.
  The Gospel.  It’s clear and simple.  We’re all sinners who have come short of God’s glory and standard for heaven (Romans 3:10, 23).  As such, we all deserve to die physically and be sent to hell to suffer forever (Romans 6:23). But Jesus Christ, the virgin born, sinless God-man, died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the grave on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).  Yes, bodily (Luke 24:33-43).  His resurrected, glorified body doesn’t have or need blood but it does have a different and better kind of flesh and bones.  Those who deny that Jesus Christ will return to earth with a glorified body of flesh and bones are deceivers and antichrists (2 John 7).
  Believe.  “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).  One act of faith in the right person through the Gospel will result in your being saved.  Once saved, God wants His children to live in an attitude of faith throughout their lives (Roman 1:17).  They need to know and claim His promises for them.  He also wants them to do the good works He planned for them to do while they live here on earth (Ephesians 2:10).
  Spiritual Gifts.  These good works are related to the spiritual gift that God has given to each believer (1 Peter 4:10).  Some of these gifts were temporary and aren’t needed today since God isn’t dispensing new revelation to mankind today (1 Corinthians 13:10).    
  Caution.  Beware of anyone who tells you he/she is receiving new revelation (information) from God.  Cursed are those who add to or take away from the completed Scriptures (Revelation 22:18, 19).  For more information, we invite you to go to the “Bible Basics” section on our web site.
  Hungry?  Are you hungering for the Word of God?  Do you want more than the “milk of the Word?”  Would you like to sink your teeth into some solid food and a “spiritual steak?”  Do you have assurance of salvation?  Is there anything you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation?
  Need Help?  If you have Bible questions, we invite you to call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site at www.kelseypeach.com.

“The Nefarious Shadow Government”

“Shadow Governments.” Most people have never heard of them. They are called the “invisible government” that has the real power over people’s lives. They control the “visible heads” of the governments of this world. Perhaps they don’t like the light because their deeds are evil (John 3:19, 20). But they themselves are also controlled, knowingly or unknowingly, by even more sinister creatures who are really invisible to us humans.

The Hated Jews. Since their selection by God as His chosen people, the Jews have had to endure persecution at the hands of other nations. Their closest relatives, the Arabs, who descended from Ishmael through Abraham and Hagar, rather than Sarah, have been some of their worst enemies. The descendants of Jacob’s older twin brother, Esau, have also persecuted the Jews because Jacob stole his birthright.

Chosen. Let’s back up a little in history. After scattering the people who were building the “Tower of Babel” (Genesis 11), God focused His attention on a man named Abram. He told him that if he would leave Ur (Kuwait) and go to a land selected by God for him that He would be make him a great nation and make his name great (Genesis 12:2). God also promised to give him and his descendants the land that extended from the river in Egypt to the Euphrates river (Genesis 15:18). Be patient Jewish people. God hasn’t negated His promise to the believing Jews (Matthew 5:5).

  Another Tower. After World War II the nations of the world got together to form the United Nations. Their hope was to eliminate another world war that could wipe off mankind from the face of the earth. Perhaps with good intentions they even adopted a phrase from the Bible which said, “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks” (Isaiah 2:4). This is amazing. The U.N. seems to do everything contrary to God’s Word, the Bible and is hostile to the Jews from whom the Bible came.

The Twin Towers. Since the fall of the Twin Towers in New York City there has been an accelerated attempt to establish a “New World Order” that we hear so much about today. It will be another attempt to join the peoples of the earth together under a one world government, with one religion, and one economy.

  It’s Needed. We concur with the idea of man’s need to live in a “New World Order.” However, we do not agree when it comes to who will be the head of this “New World Order.” The rebels against God certainly don’t want Jesus Christ to rule over them. They shake their fists at Him and defy Him as they did when He was crucified (Luke 19:14; John 19:15). World rulers, you better submit to Him before it’s too late (Psalm 2).

  Lawlessness. Man, by nature and by choice, is a rebel against God and defies any restrictions that God tries to impose on him (Romans 3:10-23). Such lawless people will eventually be governed by the “Man of Lawlessness” or the “Antichrist.” He will deceive many people by duplicating the miracles of Jesus (2 Thessalonians 2:7-10).

  Lucifer. Unless Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 are referring to Satan (Lucifer)  there is no other way to prove that he is a real person, or that sin didn’t originate with God. Since his rebellion against God he has been known as the prince of this [diabolical] world system and the god of this age (John 16:11; Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4).  To be a person you need to have a mind, will, and emotions.  Spirit beings have these qualities.

  Deceiver. It is Satan and his fallen angels (demons) who deceive the nations and lull most of them into a spiritual sleep (1 John 5:19). Multitudes of men and women are unaware of the impending danger on the other side of death (Luke 16:19-31). What do you know about life after death?

Israel’s Future. Today there is a “new” movement known as “Replacement Theology.” It also has other names. It’s not new at all. It’s proponents teach that the Jews are “the Christ killers” and that there is no future for the Jews as a nation and that they have no claim on the land of Israel. The church, they say, can now claim all the promises that were given to Israel. But these same people don’t want the curses for their disobedience (Deuteronomy 28).

  Holocaust. This is the same mentality that led up to the Holocaust in World War II under Adolph Hitler. He apparently justified his attempt to annihilate the Jews by citing Martin Luther’s words in “Mein Kampf.” He referred to Luther as one of the great heroes of the German people and who had contempt for the Jews.

  Summary. In his book entitled “The Road To Holcaust” Hal Lindsey summarizes the progression of thought this way. “Since the fourth century after Christ, there have been three anti-Jewish policies: conversion, expulsion, and annihilation. The second [expulsion] appeared as an alternative to the first, and the third [annihilation] as an alternative to the second.”

Three Goals. First, “You have no right to live among us as Jews.” Then, “You have no right to live among us.” Finally, “You have no right to live.”

A Rerun. Some “churches” are becoming more and more anti-Semitic today and are bent on opposing anything that Israel does. Not all Jews agree among themselves as to how they should deal with their neighbors who want to annihilate them. They have sin natures like we do and are sinners like us Gentiles. How would you act if someone were trying to kill you?

Beware! God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants still stands today. “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you” (Genesis 12:3).

  The Messiah. It’s true. Most Jews today don’t believe that Jesus was/is their Messiah. He didn’t meet their expectations. They turned Him over to the Romans to be crucified. But God holds all men accountable for the death of Christ, including you and me (Acts 4:26-28). It was your sins and mine that put Him on that cross. Some Muslims, we’re told, also believe that their Mahdi is coming to help establish a reign of peace on earth under Allah. Not all “Christians” believe that Jesus Christ will return literally to this earth to rule for 1,000 years as the King of kings, and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). They allegorize the words in Revelation 20:1-7 that mention the one thousand years.

One Savior. There is only one Man who died for our sins and rose again bodily from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). That Man is the Lord Jesus Christ who is the God-man (John 1:1-18). He promised to return someday (John 14:1-3). Since one day with God is like a thousand years to us, it’s only been a couple days that Christ has been gone. He is long suffering and not willing that men and women perish and go to hell (2 Peter 3:9).

  God’s Offer. God’s offer of salvation will not be extended forever. Now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). If you’ve never done so before, trust Christ alone to save you. He claimed to be the only way to God (John 14:6). The Apostle Peter said the same thing about Jesus (Acts 4:12).

Not Of Works.  You can’t be saved by your good works or by your faith plus your good works. “For by grace (unmerited favor) are we saved through faith (believing), and that not of ourselves, it (salvation) is a gift from God, not of works lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9).

Help. If you have questions or need additional spiritual help, we invite you to contact us here or through our website at http://www.kelseypeach.com.

Gospel Presentations

“Pony Express Riders”

  In 1860 there was an unusual ad in a San Francisco paper. “Wanted-young, skinny, wiry fellows not over 18. Must be expert riders willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred. Wages $25 per week. Apply to Central Overland Express.”

  The Pony Express wanted to have young men who were willing to put their job ahead of their own lives if necessary. The days of the Pony Express have passed off the scene and are now but a memory.

Letter Carriers. But there is another employer who is looking for letter carriers too. He prefers lowly people (1 Corinthians 1:26-31) who are willing to risk their personal, temporal well being to deliver a life or death message to others who are in grave danger. The pay usually isn’t much during this life but the guaranteed retirement benefits are out of this world (Romans 8:17, 18). It definitely will be worth any personal sacrifice one makes while he/she is employed by this employer.

Qualifications. Before they can apply for the job, the recruits must be those who genuinely believe in their employer. They need to be cleansed thoroughly from head to toe by “taking a bath.” They also need to “keep their feet clean.” This picture was drawn for us in Christ’s washing His disciples’ feet (John 13).

Visions. Men like Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, and the Apostle John had actual visions of the Lord’s majesty. This had a humbling effect on all of them. But then, with God’s power, they went forth to deliver their special messages that God had for each of them to deliver.

Faith. While we won’t have such experiences today, we can enter into them by faith (Hebrews 11:1). What happened to them is believable. It can have the same affect on us today.

One Message. Whether it means staying right where we are, or going to a foreign land, the message of deliverance stays the same for all people. We shouldn’t be ashamed of the message or the One who sends us out on a mission (Romans 1:16, 17). The Good News is what God uses to transfer people out of spiritual darkness into His marvelous light (1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:13, 14).

One Way. Sadly, even after hearing the marvelous Good News that Christ died for our sins and rose again bodily from the grave, some people choose to reject it and the One of whom it speaks. Condemnation and the wrath of God rests on all those who are unbelievers in Christ (John 3:18, 36). He is the only way to God (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). There is only one sin that sends people to hell. Do you know what it is? Read John 16:8-11.

Life – A Vapor. My friend, don’t reject the Only One who can deliver you from an eternal hell. Your days on earth are numbered (James 4:14). Today may be your last day you’ll spend here. As soon as you die you will either be with God in heaven or in the torments of Hades (the holding cell).

Judgment Day. “…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). The Bible doesn’t teach reincarnation or annihilation of the wicked. You will live forever somewhere.

Help. If you need additional spiritual help, call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site at http://www.kelseypeach.com.

“Woe, Woe, Woe”

  During the 1960’s, when I was living in San Francisco, the “Flower Children – Hippies” had a significant impact on the government through their protests of the Viet Nam war. They often used ballads to convey their message.

  In like manner, God used a ballad to express His great displeasure with His people, Israel for some serious sins they were committing. He had been very gracious in bringing them out of bondage in Egypt. He supplied all their needs during their wilderness journey to the “Promised Land.” He gave them a land that “flowed with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:18). He wanted them to be a unique people in the midst of their pagan neighbors and bear witness to the greatness of Jehovah God and to inform them that there was no other God besides the true and living God (Isaiah 44:8).

  God likened His people to a vineyard and planted them on fertile ground. He expected to receive luscious grapes but instead He got wild, bitter grapes. This brought great displeasure to God. Consequently judgment day would come and they would be deported to foreign lands (Read Isaiah 5). Jesus referred to this incident in Israel’s history in Matthew 21:33-44.

  What were the “wild grapes” that the nation Israel produced instead of the “good grapes” that God was expecting to receive from His people?

  Covetousness. The rich were defrauding the poor and seizing their land so they could live their lives in luxury. God told them that their houses would become empty and their harvests meager.    

  Drunkenness. Although the Old Testament rules for the Jews didn’t require total abstinence, God did warn them and us against drunkenness (Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-31; Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Ephesians 5:18). He told them that when judgment day came, these people would become “food” for the worms in the grave.

  Carelessness. Often those who are enslaved by sin mock God and taunt or dare Him to punish them. Make no mistake about it, God says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay” (Romans 12:19). Payday is coming when all unbelievers will be raised from the dead to stand before Jesus Christ at the Great White Throne (John 5:22). They will be judged according to their works done here on earth and their degree of torment in an eternal hell will be determined at this time (Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 25:30, 41, 46). There is no annihilation or reincarnation found in Scripture.

  Deception. Moral standards were destroyed by redefining sin (lawlessness). “Doublespeak” made it easy to deceive the average person and avoid a guilty conscience. In today’s world, increased taxes are called “revenue enhancements,” and the poor are called “fiscal underachievers.” Lying, using flattery, and talking from a double heart. This is what is happening in our day too.

  Pride. Instead of listening to the voice of God that is found in His Word, these Jews were consulting with the ungodly (Psalm 1:1). They made decisions based on their own finite wisdom (Proverbs 3:7). Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the image made like corruptible man (Romans 1:22, 23). God declares that He will destroy the wisdom of the wise (1 Corinthians 1:18-25).

  Injustice. Through bribery corrupt judges were calling evil good, and good evil. Light was replaced with darkness and bitter for the sweet. Surely God’s anger would come on them as it will on those of our day who practice the same things.

  Holocaust. Because of these sins the Jews were taken into captivity by the Assyrians and the Babylonians. Lawlessness comes with dire consequences both for them and for us as individuals or as a nation when we turn our noses up against God and defy Him.

  Warning. All these things were written and preserved for us in the Scriptures so that we, who are Christians, would learn not to make the same mistakes that the Jews, God’s chosen people, made and suffer as they did and still do to this day (1 Corinthians 10). As Christians we could fall into the same temptations and bring havoc on ourselves through the disciplinary hand of God (Hebrews 12:5, 6). So, “let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. [Remember] No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:12, 13).

Bad News – Good News. The bad news is that we’re all sinners who deserve death and eternal separation from God in hell. The good news is that the Lord Jesus Christ, the sinless God-man, died for all our sins…and rose again bodily from the grave on the third day so He could save anyone and all who would trust in Him alone for their deliverance from hell to heaven.

  Assurance.  Are you sure of your eternal destiny? You can know for sure today (1 John 5:13). If you have questions or need additional spiritual help, call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site at www.kelseypeach.com.

“He’ll Be Coming Back – Ready Or Not”

You’ve Heard – “It’s darkest just before the dawn.”   “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).  “The future is as bright as the promises of God.”
The Truth.  These things are true for the children of God but not for the unbelievers who die without the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  For them is reserved the blackness of darkness forever (Jude 1:13). There will also be weeping and the gnashing of teeth (Matthew 24:51; 25:30).  These are Christ’s own words. To avoid this awful place, keep reading.
Dark Days.  Ever since God selected Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their descendants to be the special recipients of His Word to pass on to others (Romans 3:2), and the ones through whom the Messiah would come (Isaiah 7:14), they have been the target of many nations in the world.  Neither the devil nor his children want the Jews to prosper.  It’s really sad when so called “Christians” attack the Jews.  God wanted the Jews to be His witnesses to the nations around them (Isaiah 43:10, 12).
Conformity.  But rather than maintaining their uniqueness, many of the Jews became more and more like the pagans around them.  This, in keeping with God’s Word, brought a curse rather than a blessing on them (Deuteronomy 28).  Disobedience has dire consequences (Romans 6:23).  “Rebellion [against God] is as the sin of witchcraft” (1 Samuel 15:23).  Are you a rebel?  If you are, you are opening yourself up to demonic oppression.
  Sabbatical Years.  Every seven years the Jews, living in the Old Testament times, were supposed to let the land rest and trust God to provide their needs (Leviticus 25:4).  They chose to trust in themselves rather than God (Proverbs 3:5, 6).  Aren’t we prone to do the same thing today?  Because they violated this law for 490 years, God sent them into Babylon for 70 years (Jeremiah 25:8-12; 2 Chronicles 36:21).
Temple Rebuilt.  After defeating the Babylonians, Cyrus, king of Persia (Iran today) allowed the Jews to return to their land and rebuild their temple (2 Chronicles 36:22).  Later, under Nehemiah, the walls around the city were set up in 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15).
Another Lapse.  Failing to learn their lessons, the Jews slipped back into their old ways of living.  The Old Testament ends with a curse on the Jews (Malachi 4:6). God was silent for the next 400 years in which no prophet was sent to them until John the Baptist came just prior to Christ’s arrival (Malachi 3:1).
The King Came.  When the promised Messiah and King of the Jews (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 27:11, 37) arrived on the scene they didn’t welcome Him (John 1:11).  He was despised and rejected by His own people, the Jews (Isaiah 53:3).  They and some of His own half brothers thought Jesus was insane (Isaiah 53:4; Mark 3:21).  His half brother James didn’t believe on Him until after His resurrection (John 7:5; 1 Corinthians 15:7).  The Jewish leaders cried out and said, “His blood be on us and on our children” (Matthew 27:25).  Unfortunately, it has been on them for centuries now.
Exterminate Them?  Even though the nations of the world have tried and are trying to exterminate the Jewish people, they can’t.  Why?  God isn’t finished with them yet.  They are temporarily set aside by God as a nation “until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in” (Romans 11:25).  If you’re an unsaved Gentile (non-Jew) now, but will trust in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you just might be the last person to come to Christ for salvation to fulfill that number.  Then He will come back for those of us who are true believers (John 6:37; 14:1-3).
Believe In Vain?  Many people “believe in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:2; Matthew 7:21-23).  Do you know what this means?  Are you one of them?  You better make sure as soon as possible (1 John 5:13). This may be your last day on this earth.  You may not be alive by the time this day is over.  Our lives are like a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away (James 4:14).
  Set Aside Temporarily.  At the present time God’s time clock with Israel is stopped.  They have been set aside temporarily but have not been cast away forever (Romans 11:1, 2).  The church and Israel are two distinct entities and are not to be confused (1 Corinthians 10:32).  The Church has NOT replaced Israel.  God is dealing primarily with the Gentile nations and gathering out from among them a people for His name to become the Bride of Christ when He returns for her (John 14:1-3; Acts 14:15; Ephesians 5:32; Revelation 21:9).
The Body Of Christ.  The church, which is the Body of Christ, consists of Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ (Ephesians 2:15; Galatians 3:26-29).  It began on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2; 10:44-48; 11:15) and will be completed by the time Christ returns in the rapture when all whom the Father has given to the Son have come to Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; John 6:37).  We don’t know exactly when this will take place.  So we must continue to be faithful Christians to the end of our days so others can learn about the Savior and be saved (1 Corinthians 4:2; 15:58).
Blindness.  Being physically blind is bad enough.  But to be spiritually blind is far worse.  While natural blindness (1 Corinthians 2:14), and Satanic blindness (2 Corinthians 4:4) plague all unsaved men, judicial blindness (Romans 11:7-10) also keeps some Jewish people from trusting in Christ as their personal Savior. They have eyes but don’t see Him as He really is (Isaiah 6:9, 10; 44:18; Romans 1:18-23).
The Divine Ophthalmologist.  Jesus, while on earth, opened the eyes of the blind to demonstrate that He was/is the “Light of the world” (Matthew 9:27-30; John 8:12; 9:5).  But He can do far more than that.  He can open the eyes of those who are spiritually blind (Acts 26:18) so they can believe in Him as the One sent by God the Father to be the Savior of the world (John 1:29; 3:16; 36).
Another Holocaust?  It’s sad to say but another “Holocaust” is on the way.  The world stage seems like it is being set right now.  Animosity for Israel is mounting daily.  It’s called “The time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). It will be far greater than any of the previous holocausts combined.  During the last part of the Great Tribulation the sun will go out and darkness will cover the whole earth (Matthew 24:29-31).  Against this backdrop the King of kings (the Lord Jesus Christ) will return from heaven to rescue the believing Jewish remnant from annihilation by their enemies (Zechariah 12, 14; Romans 9:27; Revelation 12:17; 16:13-16).  Sadly, the United States will be involved in the campaign of Armageddon and will try to annihilate the Jews too (Revelation 19:11-16).
Peace On Earth?  Yes, but when?  Once Jesus Christ has defeated all His enemies with His rod of iron (Psalm 2:9), and the sword of His mouth (Revelation 19:15), He will establish His millennial kingdom here on/over the earth as He promised to the Jews (Revelation 20:1-7; Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 9:6). What all others have tried to do and failed to do, Jesus, the Savior and Messiah, will actually accomplish.  He will prove to all mankind, once and for all, that He is God manifested in human flesh (John 1:1-14; Philippians 2:11).
The Good News.  When we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, God saves us from an eternal hell (Acts 16:31).  The “Good News” we must believe is, “Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the grave” (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
Trust Him Now!  If you want to go to heaven you must believe on Him while you are alive here on earth.  There are no second opportunities to be saved once a person is dead.            Help.  We’re here to help unbelievers make the most important decision they’ll ever have to make.  Jesus came to give us [eternal] life and abundant life (John 10:10).  To ignore Him is the same as rejecting Him and sealing one’s doom forever.  If you need additional information, we can be reached here or through our website at www.kelseypeach.com.

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

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

Replacement Theology – https://baptistbulletin.org/the-baptist-bulletin-magazine/replacement-theology/

Perhaps Today – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2021/05/15/perhaps-today/

Scripture taken from the New King James Version

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

“Peace On Earth…Someday”

  Two “New World Orders” seem to be on the horizon. According to the Scriptures, the first one will come in with a false peace that will lead to wars, famines, and death (Revelation 6:1-8). Some identify these conditions with “The four horsemen of the apocalypse.” Tragically half the population of the earth will perish during this awful time (Revelation 6:8; 9:15). Will you be in that number? We certainly hope not.

  Seven years later another “New World Order” will spring up. It will bring to an end the devil’s rule over the earth through the man of sin (anti-Christ) and the false prophet (Revelation 19:11-15). The Prophet Daniel unveiled this information long ago to Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon (Daniel 2:44).

  The Days Of Mounting Tension. The sinful nature of man causes him to envy what others have. So evil rulers, taken from the lowest of men (Daniel 4:17), make plans to take what others have by stealth or through violence (James 4:1ff).

  The Olivet Discourse. In one of His last sermons on the Mount of Olives, Jesus warned His disciples that days were coming when nations would rise against nations, and kingdoms against kingdoms. There would be famines, pestilences, earthquakes in various places. Jesus called these days “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8). Some commentators want people to believe that all these things happened in the past rather than things that will occur in the future. If one interprets the Bible literally, as it should be, it’s not hard to see that many of these things have never been fulfilled in past history. Unfortunately, some want to allegorize or spiritualize the Bible prophecy sections.

  Swords And Plowshares. On a statue at the United Nations building, the words of the Prophet Isaiah are found: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares (farming equipment), and their spears into pruning hooks” (Isaiah 2:4). What the United Nations has not been able to do in decades will be accomplished by Jesus Christ when He returns to earth to rule for 1,000 years as the King of kings, and the Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).

  Gather At Armageddon. Just prior to the establishment of Christ’s 1,000 reign on earth, the nations of the earth, including the United States, will convert their farming equipment into war implements and be gathered by God Himself to Armageddon (Joel 3:10; Zechariah 12; 14; Revelation 16:16). All the Gentile nations will be bent on destroying the nation of Israel once and for all. This will be the “Big One.” But it’s not the end of time or of this present earth. The first time God destroyed this earth was with water during the days of Noah (Genesis 6-9). The next time He destroys the earth, it will be with fire after Christ’s 1,000 year reign on earth and Satan’s final rebellion against God (2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 20:7-10).

  The New Heavens And Earth. After God destroys the present heavens and earth He will create new heavens and a new earth that will be occupied with people and spirit beings (Revelation 21:1). The Jews were promised some real estate on this present earth that hasn’t been theirs yet. Consider the boundaries that are mentioned in Genesis 15:18-21. They will dwell in it during Christ’s 1,000 year reign on earth. The saved Jews in eternity future will inherit a new world to enjoy and will live on it forever (Romans 4:13). On the other hand, the Bride of Christ, made up of the true church, will inherit everything that He does (Romans 8:17; Revelation 21:7). Wherever He goes, His bride goes (John 14:1-3). There will be no boredom in eternity future as Jesus reveals more and more of Himself to us (Ephesians 2:7).

  Decision Time. “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). Our lives are like “a vapor that appears for a little time…” (James 4:14).

  Baneful Pride. Of the seven things God hates, pride tops the list (Proverbs 6:16). It led to Lucifer’s fall (Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28), and can lead to your eternal condemnation in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). Pride can keep you from trusting the only One who can help you. Don’t make that fatal mistake. Admit that you’re a sinner who is incapable of saving yourself. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ who died for your sins…and rose again bodily from the grave (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

  The Greatest Guarantee. It is given to all who place their faith in Christ alone for salvation (John 3:16, 36; 5:24; 10:28, 29). Salvation is not based on our good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Once you receive eternal life you can never lose it or have it taken from you (1 John 5:11-13). Now that is real security. You have God’s Word on it. He can’t lie. He always speaks the truth because He is the Truth (John 14:6).

  If you would like some clarifications or amplifications about this information you can call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site www.kelseypeach.com.