“M.A.G.A.?” Is It Possible?

“When we put our trust in the political system to change society, when we become more consumed with winning the elections than winning the lost, when we marry the Gospel with politics, when our Christianity becomes an appendage to a political party, we have confused politics with the Gospel.” – Michael Brown [1]

Prayer. Brown, who voted for Donald Trump in the past two presidential elections, noted that he had never seen so much prayer for a political candidate until the 2020 election. “It wasn’t prayer for revival; it wasn’t prayer for the Great Commission,” he explained. “It was prayer for a candidate to win the elections, a candidate I voted for, but recognizing that only Jesus can save America.” [1]

Warning. “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD” (Jeremiah 17:5). “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7; See Isaiah 31:1). “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:23, 24).

BTW – Our dad had us memorize this and many other verses in English and Japanese during our dinner time when I was growing up in Japan as a “missionary kid.” We’d recite some of them during our street meetings at the Shibuya train station on Sunday afternoons. If you’re interested, view the video. [2]

Man’s Governments. Jesus didn’t try to overthrow the Roman government when He was here on earth the first time, 2,000 years ago. At His trial, when He stood before Pilate, the Roman governor, He said, “My kingdom is not [out] of this world. If My kingdom were [out] of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36).

Twisted. Some people twist this verse and make it out to be a “spiritual kingdom” rather than a literal “physical kingdom” that was merely postponed until a later date. Why? Because the Jews, as a whole, had rejected Him from being their King and Messiah (John 1:11; 19:6, 15; Matthew 27:25). They wanted a “Political Deliverer” and a “Welfare King” but He turned them down (John 6:15). God the Father, not the people, will set Jesus up as King (Psalm 2).

Plan. Toward the end of His earthly ministry, a major shift in His focus took place from that of His becoming Israel’s King, to His offering of Himself as the Savior of the world, not just for the Jews, but also for the non-Jews (Matthew 16:20-23). Today, Jews and non-Jews are saved the same way – by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ through the message of the Gospel that He died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).

Mystery Revealed. Daniel the Prophet accurately conveyed to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon what world kingdoms would follow his kingdom which was represented by a head of gold (See Daniel 2:31-45; 7:1-28). After the men of this present world system, which is governed by Satan himself (Ephesians 2:2; John 16:11), have utterly failed in their efforts to bring in world peace, without the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), the Lord Jesus Christ will return to this earth and crush all of man’s wicked kingdoms and set up His own Kingdom for 1,000 years before eternity future begins (2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1 ff). Yes, it will be a literal, physical kingdom on/over the earth where Jesus Christ will be the King of kings, and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16).

Time Frame. Christ will be ruling over His millennial Kingdom shortly after the “Seven Years of Tribulation” are over (Revelation 6-19). We believe that the stage for this event to take place is almost complete. The major players are getting into their positions. But before the “Seven Year Tribulation” occurs, the Church, which is made up of true believers from the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) until the Rapture of the Church, must and will be removed from earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). [3]

Members Only. Those who have placed their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, as the One Who died for their sins…and rose again bodily from the dead, will be the members of this group, “The True Church, The Spiritual Body of Christ” (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). These people become “The Spiritual Bride of Christ” (Ephesians 5:32; Revelation 21:9; 22:17). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). The Apostle Peter said, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Gospel. While many “preachers” talk about the Gospel, few of them ever spell it out clearly to their listeners. What have you heard in churches or on the radio or TV? Far too many preachers leave out Christ’s bodily resurrection from the dead. A dead Christ can’t help anyone. “No Resurrection = No Gospel.” Is it any wonder that so many people are confused and unsure of their salvation? What about you? [4]

Limited Atonement. There are those who believe that Christ only died for the “elect.” This is why they cannot honestly tell an unsaved person, “Christ died for your sins…and rose again bodily from the dead.”

Problems. Instead they are forced to say things like this: “Perhaps Christ died for you.” “Maybe God so loved you.” “Christ shed His blood for you, perhaps.” “Salvation has been provided for you, maybe.” “Possibly God commends His love toward you.” “Hopefully He’s the propitiation for your sins.” “There is a possibility that Christ died as your Substitute.” “I bring you good news, maybe.” “It’s possible that Christ died for you. If you get saved then we know that He did die for you, but if you continue to reject Him then He did not die for you.” “Christ died for you only if you believe that Christ died for you (thus proving you are elect), but if you do not believe this and if you continue in your unbelief until the day you die, then Christ did not die for you.” [5] Sound confusing to you?

The Scriptures Are Clear – And He [Jesus] Himself is the propitiation [satisfaction] for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. (1 John 2:2). “For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:10). “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction” (2 Peter 2:1).

Questions. Are you relying on a mere man to “Make America Great Again?” Has God given up on the U.S. for our sins (See Romans 1:18-32)? I hope not. Let’s get a little more personal. Are you sure of your own salvation? Why should God let you into His heaven? 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? If you’re saved, are you more concerned about politics than with sharing the clear Gospel with lost people? Do you love Christ’s imminent return and does your life reflect this? Will you earn the “Crown of Righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8)?

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

[1] Michael Brown Quote. https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/milton-quintanilla/we-have-confused-politics-with-the-gospel-dr-michael-brown-expresses-concern-about-christians-prioritizing-politics-over-christ.html

[2] My Life In Japan – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX8JXf0QKfw

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

[4] Clear Gospel (See page 2)

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

[5] Limited Atonement – https://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/doctrine/4whom18.htm

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

Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

“My Troublesome Dream”

Do you ever have weird, fearful, or troublesome dreams? I had one just last night but it wasn’t as a result of eating some spicy food before going to bed. Now before I tell you about it and what I learned from it, allow me to tell you about what happened this past weekend.

I was invited to speak in a church on the Minnesota and Canadian border this past Sunday. It was about 300 miles from our home in the Twin Cities. I rented a small car to make the trip up there and we travelled for about 6 hours on Saturday. As usual, I try to get to bed early in the evening and usually wake up in the middle of the night and meditate and/or pray for people and think about the following day and the opportunities that might come my way for me to represent the Lord and share the Gospel with others.

I spoke three times on Sunday – Sunday School, Morning Service, and in an afternoon service. When I speak, I try to put myself into the message and give the people my very best regardless of the size of my audience. By the time I’m done, I’m usually exhausted and ready to crash. But after the afternoon service, I drove about 150 miles to stay at my wife’s cousin’s home overnight before heading home the next day.  (My wife doesn’t like to drive on the freeways.)

Even though the roads were in pretty good condition, I was trying to be extra cautious about icy spots on the road. On one of our previous trips back from there in the winter time, we had a tire blow out and we had to wait in the cold for an hour before the tow truck could got there to help us.

When we finally arrived home safely, we thanked the Lord for bringing us home in one piece. We make it our practice to always pray before we go out on the road, even though it might be a short distance. Most accidents, I’m told, happen near people’s homes.

I was also mindful of the horrific and fatal automobile accident that our friend’s daughter was in about a month ago as she and her husband were out on a beautiful fall day enjoying the colorful leaves. They were stopped behind a semi truck that was turning left when a dump truck struck them from behind at a high speed and crushed them to death instantly. [1] We were saddened by the news.

Before returning the rental car, I stopped by the gym to get some needed exercise and sit in the sauna for awhile. As I was leaving the gym, I met a young fellow in his 30s who was in a wheel chair. I asked him how long he had been in it. He said that he had a stroke several years ago that immobilized him. I expressed my sorrow and gave him a Gospel tract that I’d written about our son Bill’s death in Japan. [2]

After getting home I was still very tired and went to take a quick nap at about 4:30 P.M. I didn’t wake up until about 9:30. So I stayed up and worked for a few hours and then went back to bed.

During the night I had this weird and troublesome dream. It took place in Japan where I grew up for 14 years. I got on a train thinking I was going to a destination that I had been to many times before. But somehow I got on the wrong train. So I got off at the next stop and asked someone how I could get back to the station from which I had just come. But no one was able to help me and show me the way. This went on for a long time in my dream as I asked person after person to help me find my way back. I was frustrated and told them that I would fire them if I could.

When I finally woke up from my dream, I went into another room and sat down in the dark and looked out a window. I began to think about how God had given Pharaoh of Egypt and King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon dreams that were interpreted by Joseph and Daniel respectively.  Those dreams were from God.

Contrary to what some people believe, I know that God isn’t giving out new information (revelation) to people today, but I asked the Lord what He might want me to learn from this weird dream I’d just had. Then a thought came to me as I considered what I had shared with the believers on Sunday.

Many people are like I was in my dream. They feel lost and are fearful of dying and ending up with the devil and his angels/demons in the lake of fire forever (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46). Perhaps they’ve heard a hell fire and brimstone message that scared them. They know they don’t want to go there, but they can’t seem to find someone to tell them the way to heaven.

Maybe you or someone you know is desirous of discovering the right and only way to heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). But what does a person have to do to be saved? Before we deal with that, let’s consider what some “professing Christians” are telling lost people to do.

You’d think that people in a church, a Bible college or seminary could give you the answer, wouldn’t you? But suppose you met up with some of these folks sitting around a table and asked them how you could be saved. One might say, “Say the sinner’s prayer.” Another might say, “No, you must ask Jesus into your heart.” Still another person might say, “You must repent of your sins, be baptized, give your heart to God and make Jesus the Lord and Master of your life.” “No, no! You must also deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus.” [3]

Perhaps by now you might be thoroughly confused and thinking to yourself, Do any of these people know for sure that they themselves are going to heaven? If they are so confused, how can I be saved and assured that I will go to heaven when I die?

My friend, has anyone ever shown you from the Bible how to be saved from hell so you can enter heaven? Is it possible for someone to have assurance of salvation before he/she dies? We believe, from Scripture, that there is.

In an article written by Dr. Manfred Kober, he talks about the problem we all have, the provision that God made for all mankind, and the way to procure (receive) eternal life as a present possession. [3] With 24 words he points out how anyone who is about to die can be saved. He wrote, “Friend: You have sinned. [See Romans 3:10, 23; 6:23] But Christ died for sinners and rose again. [See 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4] Trust Him alone and He will save you eternally. [See Acts 16:31; John 3:16, 18, 36; 5:24; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5] Do it now!” [See Proverbs 27:1; 29:1; James 4:14; 2 Corinthians 6:2]

Please reread these 24 words again and let them sink down into your heart and mind. God’s simple plan of salvation is not complicated. [5] It’s by grace alone, through faith alone, in the Christ of the Scriptures (not the cults) alone (Ephesians 2:8, 9).

When we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, who died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the grave, we are instantly saved from condemnation and can be assured of a home in heaven. (Read John 3:16, 18, 36; 5:24; 10:28, 29; 1 John 5:13; Romans 8:1, 16).  We are NOT saved by our good works or by our faith plus our good works (Titus 3:5).

If you need additional spiritual help, we’re here to assist you and others who are teachable and willing to change. We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

If this article has helped you, please SHARE it with others who might benefit from it.

[1] “Gone In Fifteen Seconds” https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/10/29/gone-in-fifteen-seconds/

[2] “The Death Of Our Son” https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2016/04/16/the-death-of-our-son-2/

[3] “The Gospel” http://www.cleargospel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/English/English-Display-Pkg-2014.pdf

[4] “Do We Really Know The Gospel?” https://www.faith.edu/1993/02/do-we-really-know-the-gospel/

[5] “God’s Simple Plan Of Salvation” in 123 languages https://www.godssimpleplan.org/

“Aptitude + Attitude = Altitude”

(Philippians – Lesson #7)

“One ship sails east

One ship sails west

Regardless of how the winds blow.

It is the set of the sail

And not the gale

That determines the way we go.” [1]

During my summer vacations, when I was a teenager growing up in Japan, I loved to go out on a small sailboat on Lake Nojiri in the Japan Alps. [2] It was a little bigger than a surf board and had a center board, a rudder, and a sail. I’d lie down on it and steer it with my feet. I got pretty good at it and could go almost anywhere as long as there was a wind and if I had set my sail properly.

Storms. Life throws a lot of adverse winds at us and the devil wants to discourage, disappoint, and cause us to doubt God and His Word. But when we, as believers, put on the whole armor of God, and resist the devil, we can overcome him and live a life that pleases God (1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7; Ephesians 6:10-17; 2 Corinthians 5:9). Are you grieving God (Ephesians 4:30) or pleasing Him?

Choices. We all have choices to make every day. We can get all upset, complain, and question God and His plan for our lives just as the Jews in the wilderness did. If we do, we can/should expect to suffer similar consequences as they did (1 Corinthians 10). On the other hand we can give thanks with a grateful heart and let others know that we have a God who is bigger than all our challenges in life (1 John 4:4). God wants us, as believers, to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), for all things and people that He allows to come into our lives (Ephesians 5:20; 1 Timothy 2:1). The Apostle Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13; See Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10 NKJV). Are you giving thanks to God with a grateful heart? [3] From prison he wrote to some believers and encouraged them to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4).

Freedom. Having had virtually everything stripped from him during his concentration camp experience in World War II, Dr. Victor Frankl wrote, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances…”.

Pride/Humility. The once proud King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon leaned his lesson well when he shared his personal testimony after God humbled him. “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down” (Daniel 4:37 NKJV). Pharaoh, who wouldn’t humble himself before God, was brought down by the mighty hand of God and he and his soldiers perished in the Red Sea (Exodus 15:4).  

Application. Are you proud of your race, place, or face? Wait just a minute. “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV)? Furthermore, “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble” (James 4:7 NKJV).  

Outlook. We, as Christians, can look at life from a human perspective or through God’s eyes knowing that “…all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” (Romans 8:28 NKJV). Read that again slowly. “Our troubles didn’t come to stay, but to pass.” But not so for those who die physically without the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior (Read Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; Revelation 21:8).

Bad News/Good News. “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 [4].  Have you shared this information with an unbeliever recently? Apart from the Gospel, no one can be saved (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Romans 1:16, 17; 10:9-17).

Promises. [5]“God will keep His promises whether we believe them or not.” Knowing them and claiming the ones that were given to us as New Testament Christians can result in a “worry free life.” “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6, 7 NKJV).

Help. We’re here to assist you and others 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. To receive future articles as them come out, click on “Follow.” Join us on Facebook and Youtube for our Bible Studies.

[1] Adapted from Ella Wheeler Wilcox, “The Winds Of Fate”

[2] Lake Nojiri – Pictures: https://www.google.com/search?q=images+lake+nojiri&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiHgpKjzqLiAhVMmK0KHY2zCbYQsAR6BAgJEAE&biw=896&bih=445

[3] Give Thanks – Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXBxImes110

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMTmZKotTYw

[4] Dr. M. Kober, https://www.faith.edu/1993/02/do-we-really-know-the-gospel/

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

“My Life In Japan”

I am an American who grew up as a boy in Japan. I lived there for 14 years of my life from the time I was 4 years old, right after World War II. I attended Gakushuin elementary school for two years with my younger brother to learn Japanese. 

To become a better missionary, my father, Timothy Pietsch, went to Waseda University to study Japanese before the war. He became fluent in Japanese and had a radio program there for 35 years to tell people about Jesus. He also started a local church in Japan.

One day, while we were having a street meeting at the Shibuya train station by Hachiko square, he gave some Christian literature to Mitsuo Fuchida. He was the one who led the attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II. He became a Christian, was in our home, and then traveled in the United States with my father for awhile to tell other people of his new found faith in Jesus Christ.

My grandfather, C. Kelsey Dozier, went to Fukuoka in 1906 and started the Seinan Gakuin schools. When my wife and I were in Japan in 2014, I spoke in Japanese to the students in the university, grade school, and high school just before their 100^th anniversary.

My mother, Helen Dozier Pietsch, was born in Kobe in 1910. She lived most of her life in Tokyo and had a Bible kindergarten for 45 years. She had hundreds of students and graduates during this time. She was well known in her neighborhood.

Our son, Bill lived in Japan for 15 years.  For one year he also attended the university that his great-grandfather had started in Fukuoka.  He taught English to many Japanese middle school students. He also talked to many people about Jesus as he visited over 50 countries in the world during his vacation time, including the “Seven Wonders Of The World.” He died of a heart attack at the age of 38 in 2016 and is buried at the foot of Mt. Fuji with his grandparents.

The Greatest Story Ever Told

But I have another, much more important story to tell you about another man, the Lord Jesus Christ. He was not an American. He was a Jewish man who lived in the land of Israel about 2,000 years ago.

His Identity. He was and is the eternal God who came down to earth to live among us and to let us know what God was like. He added to His deity a true human nature and a real body (John 1:1-18).

His Life. Unlike all others, He was born of a virgin by the name of Mary (Matthew 1:23). He lived on earth for 33 years without ever sinning or disobeying God’s laws (Hebrews 4:15).

Our Substitute. Then He volunteered to go to the cross to die for the sins of the whole world, not just for the Jewish people (John 1: 11, 12; 3:16; 10:11). This means that He died for your sins and mine. He paid the debt for our sins that we all owed to God. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). God the Father was satisfied with the payment that God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ made for us (1 John 2:2). To prove this, He raised Him from the dead (Romans 4:25).

The Proof. The bodily resurrection proves that He was and is the only true and living God. His death and resurrection made it possible for us to go to heaven when we die to be with Him forever (John 3:16).

Same Way. No matter what our nationality may be, or what language we speak, all we have to do to be saved from hell and go to heaven is to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, who was buried for three days in a tomb, and then who rose again bodily from the grave on the third day” (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).

God’s Way. This may sound too simple, but it is the way God wants it to be so that anyone in any country can go to heaven. “For by grace [undeserved favor] we are saved through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is a gift from God, not of works lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9). “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have [eternal] life” (John 3:16).

Believe. My friend, are you willing to put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to save you from hell and take you to heaven when you die (John 3:16; Matthew 25:41, 46)? If you will believe on Him right now, I would like to hear about your decision.

Next Step. Once you have done this, we would like to share other information with you so you can grow spiritually and live the rest of your life to please God and tell other people about Jesus.

Contact. You can reach us here or through my website: www.kelseypeach.com. If you would like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” 

Helpers. If you would like to have a part in reaching Japanese people for Christ, please let us know. We need people, groups, and organizations to help us in this project. Most of all, pray for a great awakening in Japan where our family spent over 100 years trying to reach them for Christ. God is able to do far more than we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). He wants His children to be F.A.T.R.E.E. (Faithful, Available, Teachable, Flexible, Resilient, Evangelistic, and Enthusiastic).

Pictures. If you are interested, we have some pictures of my brother and me in our Japanese uniforms at Gakushuin, our street meetings at Hachiko square, Mitsuo Fuchida, my father making radio broadcasts, my mother’s kindergarten, that go along with “My Life In Japan.” Let us know if you would like to see some of them.

Our Son’s Death. https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2016/04/16/the-death-of-our-son-2/

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2016/04/16/william-billy-austin-pietsch/

God’s Simple Plan Of Salvation

Japanese: https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/61244c_cad9877375cc43d1b75036825e1fe903.pdf

English: https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/61244c_bdbf26f0ab65413c97b45aaf14c86c6f.pdf

My Life In Japan – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX8JXf0QKfw

“House Rules” # 3

“From the frying pan into the fire.”

   My friend and I went to High School in Japan together.  When it came time for us to go to college in the States, we both chose a Christian college in Minnesota.  I recall the first day I got on campus.  It was rather cold and rainy.  I felt a little let down and disappointed with what I saw.

Orientation.   As new students, my friend and I went to orientation together to learn about the school and the “House Rules.”  They were quite strict but I thought I could live with them.  My friend, rather reluctantly, chose to go along with them too.  We lived in the same dorm.

Fire. It wasn’t too long before my friend really began to chafe under the rules.  As I recall, he endured our first year together but decided not to come back the next year.  So what did he do?  He joined the marines!  Talk about going from the frying pan into the fire, he did just that.  He soon learned what it meant to be regulated by all kinds of strict rules.

House Rules. Let’s talk about the seven different “House Rules” that are found in the Bible.  Every home, every nation, and every country needs rules if there is to be harmony and the survival of its citizens.  Rules aren’t like pie crusts that are meant to be broken.  When everyone does what is right in his own eyes, you have anarchy and confusion among the people (Judges 21:25). As Paul Harvey used to say, “Self-government won’t work without self-discipline.”  Think about the lawlessness that exists in our own country and all around the world.  The Bible predicted it (2 Timothy 3:1-5). 

Enslaved. This kind of lawless behavior went on for about 400 hundreds in the land of Israel among the Jews who had been slaves in Egypt for 400 years. Since they didn’t keep their promise to obey God’s laws, God allowed their enemies in the land to enslave them.  You can read about the seven cycles of discipline that went on over and over again in the Old Testament book of Judges.  When they engaged in sinful rebellion against God they went from sin into servitude. Then they cried out to the Lord with supplication.  God sent them a deliverer and saved them.  This led to their having silence until they reverted back into their lawlessness. 

New Rules. After Christ’s death for our sins…and His bodily resurrection from the dead, believers, from the Day of Pentecost, were placed under different “House Rules.”  These rules, generally speaking, can be found between John 13 and Revelation 4.  (See our Dispensations Chart for more information.)  These are the rules that govern Christians who live in the Dispensation of Grace.

Maturity. Christians who try to come to spiritual maturity by keeping the Mosaic Law, that includes the Ten Commandments, the statutes, and the ordinances (with over 600 rules and regulations), will be displeasing to God.  The early Christians living in the region of Galatia were trying to do this.  But the Apostle Paul rebuked them for doing this (Galatians 3:1).  

New Commandment. Just before He went to the cross Jesus gave His disciples a New Commandment that involved their loving one another as He had loved them (John 13:34, 35).  Under the Mosaic Law the best a person could do was to love his neighbor as himself (Leviticus 19:18). 

Agape. To have God’s “agape” love, a believer must have all his known sins confessed to God (1 John 1:9; See James 5:16), and be yielded to God the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:1, 2; Ephesians 5:18) so He can produce the “Fruit of the Spirit” which is Christ likeness (Galatians 5:22, 23).  This love should be directed back to God and to His children first (See Galatians 6:10).  It’s possible for maturing Christians to misdirect God’s love toward the diabolical world system (1 John 2:15-17).  Are you doing this yourself?  If so, stop.

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change when they see the truth from God’s Word. We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If this article has helped you, we’d like to hear from you and ask that you share it the others. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

Dispensations Chart. http://kelseypeach.com/Kelsey.8.pdf

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

 

William “Billy” Austin Pietsch

Billy, as he was known to his friends, was born on May 12^th 1977 in Algona, Iowa; He passed away on March 27^th, 2016 at the age of 38 and went into the presence of the Lord.

He is survived by his parents Kelsey and Janet Pietsch, his siblings: David, Julie, and Judson Pietsch, his grandmother Catherine Sorenson, and by his nephew Austin, and niece McKinley, his sisters-in-law, Meggan and Savannah, and by many other relatives.

He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior when he was 8 years old by believing that Jesus died for his sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. He was then baptized to demonstrate to others his faith in Christ.

Billy graduated from Mission Oaks Christian High School in Kansas City, Kansas. He graduated from Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa majoring in missions and Bible.

Billy had a love for missions and would often go on mission trips. He travelled to over 50 countries in the world to share the Gospel with others.  He loved to travel and collect T-shirts from the places he visited.

He went to Japan 15 years ago and taught English at many public schools. He loved Japan and the Japanese people.  He admired his great grandparents, C. Kelsey and Maude Dozier who were missionaries in southern Japan and who started schools there.  Seinan Gakuin University* is celebrating its 100th year anniversary this year.  His grandparents, Timothy and Helen Pietsch who also served as missionaries in Japan for many years starting churches, preaching in Japanese on the radio for 35 years, and heading up a kindergarten for over 45 years with over 2,000 graduates.

He loved to meet people and get their Facebook addresses to stay in touch with them. He has hundreds of people who know and love him.  He wanted to be an encouragement to those whom he met in life.

He shared the Gospel with hundreds of people and passed out many Gospel tracts to people wherever he went and led many people to the Lord.

His favorite verse was Matthew 28:19, 20. It tells us as Christians to make disciples (true believers) from the people of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to observe all things that Jesus commanded His disciples to do.

He loved to go to church and tried to be a blessing to those whom he met. He spent many years at Tokyo Baptist Church.

Since Billy is no longer here on earth, we’re confident that he would want to encourage you to follow his example and try to reach others for Christ.  Treat each day as though it might be your last day on earth or the last day on earth for someone you know and love or encounter along life’s path.

*Seinan Gakuin University   http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=seinan+gakuin+university+japan&qpvt=seinan+gakuin+university+japan&qpvt=seinan+gakuin+university+japan&qpvt=seinan+gakuin+university+japan&FORM=IGRE

“The Death Of Our Son”

“Treat each day as though it might be your last day on earth.”  These are the words I often shared with one of my three sons who has lived in Japan for the last 15 years.  Billy (age 38) taught English in many Japanese public schools and came to know thousands of students and others whose lives he touched on a daily basis.  Many of the several schools in which he taught were an hour and a half away by taking a subway train to get there.  This, along with other factors, took a huge toll on his life.

Easter.  Even though I fully expected to be taken from this life before he was, he spent his last day here on earth on Easter Sunday.  He had just started his spring break and had talked to us about travelling to another country to visit.  He loved to travel and had been to over 50 countries including the Seven Wonders of the World.  As he traveled, he always tried to share the Gospel concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with people to give them hope.

No Show.  But when he didn’t show up for a Saturday lesson for three of his private 9 year old students, one of the mothers called our daughter in the States to ask if she knew where her brother Billy might be.  Our daughter herself had been an English teacher in Japan for 13 years and had had these three children as her students before passing them over to her brother to teach.  This was not like him at all. He was always punctual, never missed days of work, and usually stayed in touch with people.

Tsunami.  Both our daughter, Julie, and our son Billy were in Japan when the earthquake took place about 5 years ago.  Julie was in the business district when it happened and they shut down the trains.  She had to walk for over 4 hours in the rain to get to her brother’s place.  After the big one, they had over 1,500 aftershocks that also took a toll on both of them.  Their Japanese employers were amazed that both of them stayed in Japan while other American teachers went back to the States.

Fears.  Believing that something was wrong, our daughter asked this young Japanese mother if she would go over to his apartment where he taught these lessons, to see if he might be there.  She called the police who accompanied her to his apartment.  When they entered it, they found him dead.  Through some investigative work they discovered that he had been dead for six days. Although no foul play was detected, they took his body to the police headquarters to have an autopsy of his body.  They told us that we will have to wait up to 40 days to get the report.  In the meantime we are trying to piece the puzzle together as best we can.

To Japan.  Immediately upon hearing of his death, my wife and I and our three remaining adult children met up together at our oldest son’s home and flew over to Tokyo, Japan where I had grown up as a missionary kid.  After many long hours of flying through 16 time zones we were extremely tired but we went that evening to the police headquarters where our son’s body was.  We identified the body and spoke with a very gracious police investigator along with the funeral director who then took his body to prepare it for cremation on Friday, April 8^th.

Cremation.  On Friday we went to the crematory in the morning.  Our son’s body was in a pine box which was to go into a furnace.  We watched them do this.  Then we went up to a room for some light refreshments for about an hour.  Then we went back and they removed the remains of his body from the furnace on a metal slab.  They gave some chopsticks to our three children who then picked up Billy’s bones and placed them in an urn.  When they were done, they gave the urn to me for us to bury where my parents are buried at the foot of Mt. Fuji.

Paper Work.  That sane afternoon one of the Japanese pastors from the English speaking church, where our son attended, went with me to the ward office (like our city hall) and we spent the rest of the afternoon going from person to person trying to get the paperwork taken care of before we return to the U.S.

Memorial.  On Saturday, (April 9^th) we had a celebration of life for our son, Billy at the Tokyo Baptist Church were our son attended.  We were overwhelmed by the number of people who came at such short notice.  We were told that over 400 people attended the memorial service.  One man came all the way from Australia to be there since he said our son had so impacted his life.  Countless others expressed their shock at his death and the positive impact he had made on their lives.  We praise God for this.

Burial.  The church that my father, Timothy Pietsch, started many years ago in Japan, has a burial place at the foot of Mt. Fuji that can accommodate about 150 cremated bodies.  Here is where both my parents are buried along with my younger brother, Tim’s wife who died a few years ago.  We went there on Monday, April 10th. It took us about 2 hours by car to get there. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom and beautiful.  One of the Japanese pastors and a long time Japanese friend went there with us.

New Church.  On Sunday, April 10^th I spoke partly in Japanese and in English to the folks in the Tokyo Bible Church.  They just erected a new church building on the site where I grew up in Japan and lived for 14 years.  I sang “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” and quoted John 3:16 for them in Japanese.

Street Meetings.  I told them that it was songs and verses like these that we used to sing and quote at our street meetings at the Shibuya train station when my younger brother Tim and I, along with our dad and sister, stood on the hood of an old Army Jeep painted black to draw a crowd to whom my dad would preach in Japanese.  It was at one of these meetings that Mitusuo Fuchida, who led the attack on Pearl Harbor in WWII, came and received a Gospel tract from my father and became of professing Christian.  Today this is one of the busiest places in the world where 2.2 million people cross the street every day.  This is where the statue of the famous dog Hatchiko is.  Perhaps you’ve seen the movie “Hatchi.”

Opportunities.  The death of our son has opened up many opportunities for us to share the Good News concerning Christ’s death for our sins, His burial, and His bodily resurrection from the dead with others.  Because Jesus lives today at God the Father’s right hand in heaven we have hope (a confident expectation) of being raised from the dead too.

Challenge.  On the way over to Japan I was able to share this story with two pilots who flew our plane, along with the flight attendants and many others.  I asked them to consider the same thing I’ve often said to my grown children.  “Treat each day that you live as though it might be your last day on earth or the last day of someone whom you love or of someone you know.”

You.  My friend, think about that statement.  This may be the last article I will ever write.  I’ve been writing articles (about 500) like this for the last 10 years and have been posting them on this site.  Some of them have been written up in the local newspapers in the community where I live and in a neighboring community. They are usually a summary of my Sunday messages at the church where I pastor some very precious people.

Death.  Perhaps you don’t like to think about death.  Neither do I, but it’s going to happen one of these days to you or someone you love.  We’re not really prepared to live until we’re prepared to die.  Where will you spend eternity?  Where will your loved ones, your friends, your neighbors, your fellow workers, and acquaintances spend eternity? Are you sure? On what basis should God let you into heaven? Our salvation is not based on our good works lest we should boast.

Good News.  The Good News that leads to our salvation is that the Lord Jesus Christ died for your sins and mine.  He was buried for three days in a tomb to prove that He had really died to pay the penalty for our sins.  But the story doesn’t stop there.  He rose again bodily from the dead on their third day and was seen by over 500 witnesses to validate it.  Then He ascended back to heaven in the presence of His disciples with a promise to return some day.  This resurrected, glorified Christ can save you or anyone else who places his/her faith in Christ alone.  Have you done this yet?  If not, why not do it right now?

Help.  If you need spiritual help and would like to have assurance of your salvation, feel free to contact us at 805-238-3549 or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

Share Story.  If this article has helped, encouraged, or motivated you, would you share it with a few other people?  God willing, if I’m still alive, I hope to write more about the blessed hope that we who are Christians have while we live here on earth.  We’re starting another chapter in our lives.  If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

“To The Wise, Mighty, And Rich”

While growing up as a missionary kid in Japan after World War II, my father used to teach us Bible verses and songs in English and Japanese. Then on Sunday afternoons we used to go to the Shibuya train station to hold street meetings. We recited these verses and sang songs in English and Japanese to gather a crowd so my father could preach to them and pass out Gospel literature. We used to stand on the hood of a converted military Jeep so we could be seen and heard with a loud speaker system. It was here that Mitsuo Fuchida [1], the man who led the attack on Pearl Harbor, received a tract and became a professing Christian.

B.T.W. The plaza at Shibuya station [2] is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world today. Our middle son, Bill lives not far from there. On several occasions I have taken our children there to pass out Gospel tracts to the Japanese people. This is where the statue of the famous dog Hatchiko [3] is. Some of you probably have seen the American version of this sentimental movie, “Hatchi: A Dog’s Tale” [4].

Verses. Among the many verses that we memorized as children (in English) were Jeremiah 9:23, 24. “Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Let not the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight,’ says the Lord.” Knowing God personally and telling others about Him and what He has done for us human beings is one way to glorify Him (1 Corinthians 10:31).

The Wise. Wisdom involves our going from the theoretical to the practical. It doesn’t do much good for us to have mere knowledge and facts. We need to “be doers of [God’s] word, and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves” (James 1:22). “If any [believer] lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). There is also wisdom that is earthly, sensual, and demonic (James 3:15). “Beware lest anyone cheat you [as a Christian] 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). “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). There are doctrines (teachings) in the Bible that are to be believed while there are other doctrines that are to be believed and practiced (Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17). Do you know the difference between the two? (Ask about our FREE “Dispensational Chart” to help you make these distinctions and better decisions in life.)

The Mighty. There are some very powerful people on earth who rule over the lives of billions of other people. Some of them rule from behind the scenes and are known as the “Shadow Governments” [4]. Do you know who are behind these wicked human beings (Daniel 10:20; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8)? Don’t fret. Why? “the Most High [God] rules in the kingdom of men, [and] gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men” (Daniel 4:17; See Acts 17:26). “[God] removes kings and raises up kings” (Daniel 2:21). “For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another” (Psalm 75:6, 7). Still feeling oppressed? “The king’s [ruler’s] heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1). “For who [successfully] has resisted His will” (Romans 9:19; See Psalm 2)? What should Christians do with reference to those who are in authority over us? “Therefore I [the Apostle Paul] exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions [for or against], and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence…[God] desires that all men be saved [and] come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Are you in a position of authority over other people (Ephesians 6:1-4-9)? Keep in mind your accountability to God (Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:12; Hebrews 9:27; 13:17; 1 Peter 4:5). Consider the teacher’s or parent’s responsibility (James 3:1).

The Rich. This is a relative thing. We, who live in the United States, are far richer than many other people in the world. The Apostle Paul wrote these words to Timothy, “Command those who are rich in the present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17). The very poor Christians living in Macedonia took up a collection for the poorer Christians living in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:1-6). This act of love bonded the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians together so that there is only one true Church, the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:32; 12:12, 13; Galatians 3:28). We don’t believe that it is the government’s job to rob the rich through unjust taxation and give it to the poorer people (See Romans 13:7; 1 Timothy 5:8). God’s Word speaks about those who can work but who won’t work (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15). Socialism or communism cannot work as long as man has a sin nature (Psalm 51:5). The Christian doesn’t get rid of it when he/she gets saved (1 John 1:8; Romans 7:15-25; 2 Peter 1:4) [5]. The unsaved person who ends up in the lake of fire will have his sin nature forever but those cravings will never be gratified (Mark 9:44, 46, 48; Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 22:11). Sharing our material things with others, as we are being led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14), displays our love for God and His children (John 13:34, 35; Galatians 6:10; 1 John 3:16, 17). To the maturing Christians the Apostle John wrote, “[Stop loving] the world [system] or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love [for] the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (i.e. the vain glory of ownership) is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17; See 2 Peter 3:11). As Christians, we must use the world system, but we are not to abuse it by making it the most important priority in our lives (1 Corinthians 7:31). What comes between you and God and His children? “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). Jesus said, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required” (Luke 12:48). In what ways are you using your time, talents, and treasures for God’s glory and the good of others?

Know/Believe. You may know and give mental assent to the facts of the Gospel that “Christ died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). But not until you transfer your faith from yourself and your good works over to Christ alone are you truly saved (Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8, 9). Are you “believing in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:2)? Do you have assurance of your salvation and that you will go to heaven as soon as you die? If not, contact us at 805-238-3549 or visit our website at www.kelseypeach.com where we have “God’s Simple Plan Of Salvation” in 24 languages.

Links:

[1] Mitsuo Fuchida: http://www.biblebelievers.com/fuchida1.html

[2] Shibuya Hachiko Plaza: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=image%20shibuya%20pedestrial%20crossing&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=image%20shibuya%20pedestrial%20crossing&sc=0-14&sp=-1&sk=

[3] Hatchiko, The Dog: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Hachi+Dog+Statue&FORM=RESTAB

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

[5] Sin Nature: http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/doctrine/1natjm00.htm

 

“Which Jesus Saves?

Christs. Believe it or not, there are different Christs in whom people believe. They are not all the same.  Jesus predicted that this would happen (Matthew 24:5). Consider the “Wafer Jesus” who didn’t finish the work of salvation, the “Elevated Jesus” who is the brother of Lucifer, the “Modernist Jesus” who wasn’t virgin born, the “Universalist Jesus” who won’t send anyone to hell, the “Prosperity Jesus” who promises wealth to the contributors, the “Laughing Jesus” who slays people in the spirit, the “Self-esteem Jesus” who never calls men sinners, the “Charismatic Jesus” who says, “Let’s put on a show,” and the “Contemporary Jesus” who says, “Let’s all get together.”  And then there is a Jesus who used to be Michael the archangel. Are you trusting in any of these false Christs? Are you believing in vain (1 Corinthians 15:2; Matthew 7:21-23)?

Warning. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15; See Jude 1:13).

Purpose. The Apostle John had a clear purpose in mind when he wrote the Gospel of John. “…these [sign miracles] were written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). Do you have, as a present possession, eternal life (i.e. God’s quality of life)? Are you enjoying an abundant life now (John 10:10)? If not, ask us how you can have these things.

Gift. When my father, Timothy Pietsch, used to preach in Japanese in Tokyo, Japan for 35 years, he offered to his radio listeners a copy of the Gospel of John. Sometimes he referred to the Lord Jesus Christ as the only true “Tenno Heika” (Heaven’s Descended Majesty). He thought saying this would get him into a lot of trouble since the Japanese people use this term to refer to their emperor. (BTW – I attended the Peer School with the current Japanese Emperor’s younger sister.  See the link below.)

Tool. John’s Gospel can be used as an evangelistic tool to introduce people to the Christ of the Scriptures. He is fully God and not inferior to God the Father or God the Holy Spirit (John 1:1-18; Colossians 2:9). He is the God-man (Philippians 2:6-8). He was born of the virgin, Mary (Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14) and lived a sinless life for 33 years (Hebrews 4:15; John 8:46). He performed many miracles to prove that He was/is the Christ (Messiah). He had created all things and He holds the molecules together (Genesis 1:1; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16, 17). He promised to return for His Bride, the Church before the Tribulation (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:13-18; 5:9; Revelation 3:10).  Are you ready for His imminent return?  Ask how you can receive our “FREE Dispensational Chart.”

I AM. Contrary to what at least one cult teaches, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Jehovah of the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14; See John 5:18; 10:30, 31). The Apostle John records seven times when Jesus referred to Himself by saying, “I AM the…” (John 6:35; 8:12; 10:7, 11, 14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1). See for yourself what these verses say.

P.C. It’s not politically correct today to recite Christ’s own words when He said, “I am the [only] way [back to God], the [absolute] truth, and the [only One who gives eternal] life” (John 14:6). The Apostle Peter’s words are rejected or disputed by some folks. “Nor is there salvation is any other [than the Lord Jesus Christ], for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Of course the Apostle Paul’s words aren’t liked either by the P.C. Crowd. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ [exclusively], and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).

Grace / Faith. The Apostle Paul reminded the believers in Ephesus how they were saved, “For by grace [unmerited favor] you have been saved through faith [believing], and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9). What is the Gospel? [1] Did you know that it’s possible for people to know and agree with the facts of the Gospel without being saved (James 2:19)? It’s not until one transfers his faith from himself and his own good works over to Christ alone that he is saved (Titus 3:5).

Death / Resurrection. Most knowledgeable people will admit that Jesus died on a cross about 2,000 years ago. But many don’t know that He died for all of our sins once and for all…and rose again bodily from the grave on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Luke 24:33-43; Hebrews 10:10). His bodily resurrection assures us of the fact that everyone will one day be raised from the dead, each in his/her own order (1 Corinthians 15:20-28). Do you know in which one of the five resurrections you will be raised?

Judgment. “And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Nowhere in Scripture can you find second chances to be saved after physical death, or reincarnation. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, 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). “For what is your life? It is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14).

Assurance. Are you absolutely sure that you will go to heaven when you die? Why should God let you into His heaven? 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? Is it possible for those who believe in “Lordship Salvation” to have assurance of salvation? [2] What are some of the dangers of “Reformed Theology”? [3]

Help. If you have honest questions and/or need some clarifications, explanations, or answers, we invite you to contact us here or through our website at www.kelseypeach.com. If this article has helped you, please let us know how.  If you think it might be helpful to someone else, please pass the information on to them.  Click on “Follow” if you’d like to receive future articles as they come out.

[1]  Clear Gospel in 30 languages. www.cleargospel.org

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

[2]  Lordship Salvation – http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/salvatio/lordshrq.pdf

[3]  The Dangers of Reformed Theology – http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/doctrine/dangerso.htm

“Tenno Heika”  https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2011/12/13/theres-only-one-tenno-heika/

 Assurance of Salvation https://bible.org/seriespage/assurance-salvation

“The Words Of My Mouth”

Most everyone knows that there is a crisis of truth in our culture. There are politicians, contractors, car salesmen and many other people, including some Christians, who think that it is alright to lie and swear while talking to other people. But is it? Consider this quote: “Every man’s heart is a storehouse, and his words show what he keeps there. What is said on the spur of the moment is sometimes better evidence of a man’s disposition than what he says deliberately, for the latter may be calculated hypocrisy.” A. Plummer

The Heart. Our words often reveal what is really in our hearts. We all start out our lives spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1). We need to be born again from above (John 3:3-6; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23). Our sinful hearts are desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-23) and we’re prone to grumble and complain (1 Corinthians 10:10) just as the Israelites did in the wilderness (Numbers 14:2-29). Too many people make promises that they don’t intend to keep. Treaties among nations have been likened to pie crusts that are made to be broken. We need to realize that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21). How many lives have been built up or ruined by our words? The Apostle Paul wrote, “But if you [Christians] bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another” (Galatians 5:15). Yes, Christians can be tempted by the devil to lie (Acts 5:4-6) and use foul language (Ephesians 4:20) or we can be regulated by our old sin nature (1 John 1:8) and display the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 John 1:8). There are consequences to lawless behavior (Hebrews 12:5-11; 1 John 5:16). Do you know how to overcome your three spiritual enemies? If you’d like to be set free, and you’re teachable and willing to change, contact us for help from the Scriptures. Someone helped me; I’d be happy to share what I know with you (2 Timothy 2:2; 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4).

Fruit. God wants His children to have and display the “Fruit of the Spirit” in their lives as the need arises (Galatians 5:22, 23). When Christians do this, others around them can learn something about God. A transformed life serves as a tremendous testimony to God’s grace and power (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Ephesians 3:20). If you’re a Christian, do other people notice a difference in your life? What Christ like qualities do others see in you?

Truth. Too many people have the mistaken idea that truth is relative and that it all depends on one’s own viewpoint. They say, “What’s true for you may not be true for me.” Truth has been defined as the ability to see things as they really are. Our views of people and things may be tinted by colored glasses. But there is Someone who is truth and who has conveyed truth to us humans. By the way, God is not giving out new revelation (information) today (Revelation 22:18, 19). Beware of false prophets and teachers who add to or subtract from the 66 books of the Bible and who twist the normal, usual, customary meaning of words (2 Peter 2:1ff; 3:16).

Jesus. He made what many people would call a politically incorrect statement when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). The Apostle Peter made a similar statement, “Nor is there salvation is any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Consider the Apostle Paul’s words in response to the jailor’s question, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). To make such a statement, Jesus would have to be a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord. Many people who think of Jesus as a great teacher, reject His claims to be the God-man (John 1:1-18; 5:18; 10:30; Colossians 2:9). Yes, He’s the Jehovah of the Old Testament who displayed Himself to Abraham and others as the Angel of the Lord (Genesis 16:7; 18:2ff; 22:11; Judges 13:18; Isaiah 9:6). He is the personification of absolute truth.

Scriptures. Jesus validated the 39 books of the Old Testament (Matthew 5:18; Luke 24:27; John 10:35) and pre-validated the 27 books of the New Testament (John 14:26; 16:12, 13). Together they tell us in words the absolute truth that God wanted mankind to know (John 17:17). God used the Jewish people to give us His Word (the Scriptures) and the only Savior for mankind (2 Peter 1:21; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 2:11). Contrary to what “Replacement Theology” teaches, God isn’t done with the nation of Israel (Romans 11). The church has not replaced Israel. God will fulfill all His promises to them including the land promises (Genesis 15:18-21). Before King David is raised from the dead to be the regent on earth for 1,000 years under Christ and His Bride, the true Church (Ephesians 5:32; 2 Timothy 2:12), the Jews will experience “the time of Jacob’s trouble” during the last half of the 7 years known as the Tribulation (Jeremiah 30:7-9; Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15ff; Revelation 20:1-7). Do you know when the Old Testament believers will be raised from the dead (Daniel 12:12)? What about all the unbelievers who die (Revelation 20:11-15)? The Scriptures don’t teach annihilation or reincarnation (Hebrews 9:27).

Freedom. To enjoy true freedom from our enslavement to the devil, the present world system, and from our old sin nature, we must start by “[Believing] on the Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the grave on the third day” (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). His bodily resurrection from the dead is crucial to our salvation. It’s true, “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 15:50). But Christ’s resurrection body had/has flesh and bones but no blood (Luke 24:33-43; John 20:27, 28). Those who deny that Jesus Christ is coming back with a resurrected, glorified body of flesh and bones are deceivers and antichrist (2 John 1:7; Acts 1:11).

Avoid. There are things that need to be eliminated from the Christian’s life. This includes outright lies. Consider what happened to some early Christians who lied (Acts 5:1-11). Habitual liars and all other unbelievers, will be cast into the lake of fire that was prepared for the devil and his angels (Revelation 21:5; Matthew 25:41, 46). Half truths that are intended to deceive are also lies. “White lies” are still lies even though they may seem harmless. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). Pragmatism says, “Let us do evil that good may come” (Romans 3:8). But the end doesn’t justify the means if it violates God’s Word and the rules that are given to Christians (2 Timothy 2:5). All Scripture is to be believed, but not all of it is to be believed and practiced (Titus 1:9). Without a clear understanding of “Dispensational” distinctions, a believer won’t be able to grow spiritually and please God (Galatians 3:1-4; 5:1; 2 Corinthians 5:9; 2 Peter 3:18). Ask for our FREE “Dispensational Chart.”

Love. It is just one of God’s attributes (1 John 4:8). It must be balanced with His other attributes of goodness, righteousness, omnipotence, omniscience, truth, and holiness. A Christian should always speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). This might involve convincing, rebuking, and exhorting with all long suffering and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2). A satanically ensnared Christian knows the truth but refuses to acknowledge it and live up to the truth. He will ask all kinds of foolish questions to try to get out of that which he knows he should do. He becomes his own worst enemy (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Do you fit into this category? If so, it could lead to a premature and undesirable, physical death (1 Corinthians 11:30; 1 John 5:16; James 5:19, 20). True Christians can’t lose their salvation (John 10:28, 29; Romans 8:1) but we can lose the joy and assurance of our salvation (Psalm 51:12; 1 John 5:13).

Prayer. I was a M.K. (Missionary Kid) who grew up in Japan for 14 years. I took three crowded trains for 1 ½ hours to get to school each day. But before I went to school, my mother used to pray this prayer with me: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Today, my prayer is that the words I share with others (including these words) will be used by God to point people to Christ for their salvation, and to teach believers what God’s Word says in reference to how He wants us to live. I haven’t arrived yet. I’m still on my journey but I know where I’m headed if I die. Physical death is the general rule (Hebrews 9:27) but there is an exception to death that a generation of Christians will experience. It’s called “The Rapture” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17). It’s imminent. Are you prepared for it? If you’re not sure where you will go when you die, or if you’ll be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, we’d be delighted to point you in the right direction.

Contact. You can reach us at 805-238-3549 or visit our website that was designed for people just like you. Go to www.kelseypeach.com. If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”  Help us get the Word of God out to others who are open and receptive to God’s truth.