OUR HOMES, CHURCHES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

There are many people in our world today who feel that they were deceived, defrauded, deluded, duped, betrayed, cheated, and/or hassled by their own parents or by other people including “two bit” religious hucksters. Some are bitter. Does this include you? [1]

What kind of a home life did you have as you were growing up? Do you have good or bad memories? Were you abused physically, emotionally, or sexually? Were you motivated to be good by “lollypops,” or by fear and guilt, or perhaps by deception, or by love? [2] What kind of experiences have you had in the churches you’ve attended?

If you attend church, why do you attend the one you do? Do you want the preacher to tell you what you want to hear, or do you want him to proclaim God’s truth to you in love (2 Timothy 4:1-5, 15)? Is the Gospel invitation clearly presented or garbled? [9] Is God’s Word taught and explained so you can make practical applications to your life (James 1:22)?

What kind of home would you like to have, and what kind of a church would you like to attend?

Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam
Where the deer and the antelope play
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day.

Chorus: Home, home on the range… [3]

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Oh, give me a church where folks in the lurch*

Are encouraged, then healed from above
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word

And the truth is modeled in love. [4]

Better Yet

Oh, make our a church where folks in the lurch*

Are encouraged, then healed from above
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word

And the truth is modeled in love.

How? Make Me A Servant

by Kelly Faye Willard

Make me a servant / Humble and meek / Lord let me lift up / Those who are weak
And may the prayer / Of my heart always be / Make me a servant / Make me a servant
Make me a servant today. [5]

Quotes By Dr. Warren Wiersbe [6]

“The human needs in our world today are indescribable, innumerable, and (if you have a tender heart) almost unbearable. You and I can’t do everything, but we can do something; and that something is the ministry God has called us to fulfill.”

“Ministry takes place when divine resources meet human needs through loving channels to the glory of God.”

A Prayer In Song – Make Me A Blessing [7]

Author – Ira B. Wilson

“Out in the highways and byways of life, / Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife / Making the sorrowing glad

Make me a blessing, / Make me a blessing, / Out of my life / May Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O savior, I pray, / Make me a blessing to someone today.”

Scriptural Responsibilities

“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” (Galatians 5:13-15; Contrast Leviticus 19:18)

The night before He was to be crucified on a cross, Jesus said to His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34, 35)

“By this we know love, because He [Christ] laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:16-18; Christian husbands see Ephesians 5:25).

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Hebrews 6:10)

Jesus’ Example

“So when He [Jesus] had washed [His disciples’] feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, Do you know what I have done to you?  You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.  For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.  Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.  If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:12-17)

Christ = The Head / The Church = His Body

Joined together this “New Creation” is called “The Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12, 13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:15). As the only Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18), and the only Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5), the Lord Jesus Christ currently is directing the works He wants the Church to be doing through the ministry of God the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7 ff). He gave spiritual gifts (enablements) to all the members of the Church (1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:11-16).

He empowers believers to do these things (Philippians 2:13; 3:10; 4:13), and supplies all of our needs to do them (Philippians 4:19). Questions: If you’re a Christian, are you exercising your spiritual gift with “agape” love (1 Corinthians 13)? If not, why? [8]

Spiritual Immaturity Rebuked

“For though by this time you [Christians who have been saved for a long time] ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.  For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.  But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:12-14)

“For as many [believers] as are [habitually being] led by the Spirit of God, these are [the maturing] sons of God” (Romans 8:14).

Question: How much spiritual growth has happened since you were saved?

Conclusion

Have you placed your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day? If not, why not now? [9]

If you have been saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8, 9), do you attend a Bible believing church merely to be blessed, or do you attend to be a blessing to others? Let’s not be among those who sit, soak, and sour.

“And let us [Christians] consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,  not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching? (Hebrews 10:24, 25; See John 14:1-3). Perhaps Today!!!

Be an encourager. Inspire others with courage; give them a spirit of hope that comes from God’s infallible Word and His promises (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).

Need Help?

We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to grow spiritually and serve God and others effectively. If you have questions and/or comments, we can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com or through our FB page. If this article has helped you, we’d like to hear from you. Please SHARE this with others.

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*Lurch – Synonyms: careen, falter, reel, stager, stumble, totter, blunder

[1] For Hurting People – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2022/08/31/for-hurting-people-who-come-to-church/

The Most Evil Man… – https://www.raptureready.com/2016/08/08/james-eugene-ewing-most-evil-man/

[2] Motivations: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2024/03/16/what-motivates-you/

[3] Song – “Oh, Give Me A Home…” (State song of Kansas) Author – Dr. Brewster Higley, ENT

[4] Charles R. Swindoll’s adaptation. Growing Deep In The Christian Life, pp. 371 ff

https://store.insight.org/search?searchText=growing%20deep%20in%20the%20christian%20life&id=m35439

[5] Song: Make Me A Servant – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPZy5HKn9AY

[6] Quotes: Warren W. Wiersbe, On Being A Servant Of God, Chapter 1

[7] Make Me A Blessing, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqyhlKx1VII

“Strange Church Members”*

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

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

The One Another passages: https://www.mmlearn.org/hubfs/docs/OneAnotherPassages.pdf

The Gospel Mandate For Unbelievers

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

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

Scripture taken from the New King James Version

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

We’re Being Influenced & Influencing Others

Attitude + Aptitude = Altitude [1]

Influencer: “a person who inspires or guides the actions of others.” – Merriam-Webster

Whether we realize it or not, “We affect those around us by how we live, whether purposefully or passively, for good or for evil…A godly influence is someone who helps people understand the gospel [1 Corinthians 15:3, 4], grow in their knowledge of Scripture [2 Peter 3:18], walk in righteousness [Galatians 5:16, 25], serve and follow Christ [Galatians 5:13], support His work [2 Corinthians 9:7], and spread the message of His salvation [Mark 16:15]…Influence is both a privilege and a responsibility.” – Dr. Charles Stanley [2]

An evil influencer does just the opposite. He stirs up strife and contention which can lead to his and others’ destruction. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1). “My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent” (Proverbs 1:10). “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Question. Who or what has influenced us or is influencing us for good and/or for evil? Who’s our friend and who’s our enemy? Can a person be both? Do spirit beings (angels & demons) influence us and others? If so, how?

Let’s Think About Some Good Influencers In The Bible –

“Joseph: He was sold by his jealous brothers and taken down to Egypt where he suffered for many years in prison after being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife for a crime he didn’t commit. But after interpreting Pharaoh’s dream one day, he was put at his right hand in the court of Egypt. It was through Joseph that food, in a time of famine, was supplied for the [Jewish people] and others to keep them alive. Who but God would have thought of that? 

“Esther: God sovereignly put this young Jewish girl in the court of King Ahasuerus. It’s hard to imagine the pressures she must have been under as she thought about the possibility of her fellow Jews being annihilated if she was unwilling to risk her own life to save their lives. But it was through her, that the Jewish people were delivered from a holocaust. 

“Daniel: As a young man, he was taken as a captive to Babylon because of the sins of the Jewish people. Several years later, after he interpreted the king’s dream, God put him in a high position in the court of Nebuchadnezzar. Imagine how difficult this may have been as he was surrounded by pagan idol worshippers. Yet it was all in the good purpose of God to reveal to this king and to the rest of us what would happen in the future under the world empires.

“Expect to be troubled and misunderstood. But trust God to keep you.” [3]

Andrew: He introduced his brother Peter to the Lord (John 1:41, 42). But a few years later, when Jesus was being tried unjustly, Peter denied that he knew the Lord (Matthew 26:34; 75). Thankfully, after he got turned around, he was instrumental in influencing thousands of Jews to believe in Christ on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 3:11 ff).

Paul. He once was a persecutor of Christians and consented to Stephen’s death (Acts 7:58; 8:1-3). He (not Peter) became the steward of the “Dispensation of Grace” in which we now live (Ephesians 3:1 ff). He started many churches in Asia Minor and in Europe and influenced many people to become Christians (1 Corinthians 3:5).

Jesus – The greatest influencer of others was the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). “For to this [suffering] you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps…” (1 Peter 2:21). All believers who desire to live godly lives can/should expect to be persecuted for the cause of Christ (2 Timothy 3:12; See Romans 8:18).

God The Holy Spirit – Today He indwells all true Christians (John 14:17). He is the One Who energizes and enables us to do the things God desires for us to do (Philippians 2:13; 4:13). However, we can and often do resist Him to our own detriment (2 Timothy 2:12). No one can resist His determinative will (Romans 9:19; Ephesians 1:11).

Some Bad Influencers

The Devil & Demons – From time to time they are permitted to put evil thoughts in a believer’s mind and in the minds of unbelievers (Acts 5:3; See 1 Kings 22:19-23). When tempted, a Christian must be sober and vigilant (1 Peter 5:8), submit to God (James 4:8), put on the whole armor of God, and then resist the devil/demons to overcome their 14 solicitations to trespass and then sin (Ephesians 2:1; 1 John 3:4; James 1:12-15). This causes him/them to leave us for a season (Ephesians 6:12-17; 2 Corinthians10:3-6). Once we’ve overcome the devil/demons, we must “pray” for other believers in their time of need (Ephesians 6:18). The devil also has mature sons of disobedience who love to do what he wants them to do (Ephesians 2:2; John 8:44; 1 John 3:10).

Religious Leaders. The devil has many religious leaders proclaiming a false gospel (2 Corinthians 11:3, 4, 12-15) and other ways of salvation (Ephesians 2:8, 9). He blinds the minds of unsaved people to keep them from seeing and believing the true Gospel so they can be saved (2 Corinthians 4:4). Only God the Holy Spirit can convict unbelievers of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11). The devil lulls most of his children to sleep spiritually so they aren’t aware of the impending danger (1 John 5:19; Revelation 21:8). [4]

Wicked People. Unsaved people and carnal Christians often have a negative influence on others. Their vile language and lifestyle can rub off on us. We need to have contact with them, but we aren’t to be contaminated by them. They might be our relatives, fellow workers, neighbors, or the people we watch and listen to on television or on the radio.

The Present Diabolical World System. It was devised by the devil in the days of Cain in an effort to control certain aspects of man’s sin nature (Luke 11:51, 52; Genesis 4:16-24; Galatians 5:19-21). As Christians, we can/must use the world system (1 Corinthians 7:31), but we are not to misuse it and “agape” love it (1 John 2:15-17). It appeals to the the lust [strong desires] of the flesh [sin nature], the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life [the vainglory of ownership]. It also is passing away and will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:11). [5]

The Coming Man Of Sin (Antichrist) & The False Prophet – After the true Church has been removed from the earth and taken to heaven (John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-10), the debonair, charismatic “Man of Sin / Antichrist” will be elevated to power by the 10 kings from the Revived Roman Empire, and the Apostate Harlot Church. He will deceive the nations by performing the same kind of miracles that Jesus and the Apostles did in the early days of the church (Act 2:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10). After the “Man of Sin – Antichrist” is killed in the middle to the Tribulation, and brought back to life, he will demand that everyone, including the Jews worship him and take his mark (666) in order for them and all others to buy and sell things (Revelation 13:11-18). When the Jews refuse, he will pursue them with a vengeance but he won’t be able to exterminate all of them. Two thirds of the Jews who rebel against the Lord while they are being protected in Sela (Petra) will die during the last half of the Tribulation (Zechariah 13:8, 9; Isaiah 16:1 ff; Jeremiah 30:7). [6]

Back To Some Good Examples

The Hall Of Faith Believers – Some were delivered; others weren’t (Hebrews 11).

Christian Martyrs – They will receive the “Crown of Life” (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10). [7]

Christian Biographies – Dedicated servants of the Lord. [8]

Thank Them. If you have had some good influencers, mentors, motivators, exhorters, comforters, and encouragers who have helped you in life, take time to thank them if you can. If you had bad ones, learn from them what not to do (1 Corinthians 10:1-13).

Think About This. God caused you and me to be alive at this time in human history. He has a purpose and a plan for each believer. Jesus said, “You [disciples] did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you” (John 15:16). “For we [Christians] are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). “As each [Christian] has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:11-16).

The Rapture. Christ won’t return for the true Church / the spiritual “Body of Christ” to make us “His Bride” until all whom the Father has given to the Son have come to Him, through the proclamation of the Gospel, and been saved and done some praiseworthy works (John 6:37; 1 Corinthians 4:5). Every Christian can/should have a part in this by sharing the clear Gospel message with the lost (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).

To Be A Godly Influencer And To Be A Blessing To Others, We Are Admonished To –

“Walk by means of the Holy Spirit, and be filled by Him so He can produce His “Fruit” (Christ likeness) in our lives (Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 5:18). We then become responsible to direct it properly toward the right objects, at the right time, for God’s glory and the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 6:10). We are to look for other faithful believers to whom we can pass on what was given to us (2 Timothy 2:2). Are you doing this?

As believers, we are told to “[Put] away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.  ‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:25-32).

Summing It Up

If we, as Christians, want to have a positive and godly influence on others, we need to be humble, sacrificial, strategic, and do what we do for the glory of God and the good of others. [9] As Dr. Stanley pointed out, we need to share the clear Gospel with unbelievers [1 Corinthians 15:3, 4]. Once they’re saved, we need to help them grow in their knowledge of the Scriptures [2 Peter 3:18], show them how to walk in righteousness [Galatians 5:16, 25], serve and follow Christ [Galatians 5:13], support His work [2 Corinthians 9:7], and spread the message of His salvation to the lost [Mark 16:15]? We should consider the fact that being an “influencer” for Christ to be both a privilege and a responsibility. Are you having a positive, godly influence on others? If not, why?

The Gospel Mandate For Unbelievers [10]

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

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

Help

We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to grow spiritually and reproduce themselves. We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com or through our FB page. If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” If this has helped you, please LIKE & SHARE it with others.

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[1] Attitude – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/05/17/attitude/

[2] Dr. Charles Stanley, Requirements Of A Godly Influence

https://www.intouch.org/watch/sermons/the-requirements-of-a-godly-influence#:~:text=Godly%20influence%20helps%20people%20understand,the%20message%20of%20His%20salvation.

file:///Users/kelseypietsch/Downloads/The-Requirements-of-a-Godly-Influence.pdf

[3] Colin Smith – https://openthebible.org/article/what-every-christian-influencer-should-know/

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

[5] Lusts – Good And Bad – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2021/08/03/lusts-good-bad/

[6] The Order Of Coming Events – And the influence of the “Man of Sin / Antichrist” https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2016/02/20/the-order-of-coming-events-2/

[7] Christian Martyrs – https://www.ccel.org/ccel/foxe/martyrs/files/martyrs.html

[8] Christian Biographies – https://wholesomewords.org/biography/index.html

[9] Kelly Needham – https://kellyneedham.com/posts/2015/03/20/women-are-influencers

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

Scripture taken from the New King James Version

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

What Motivates You?

Judgment Day is coming. “…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Contrary to what some people think, there will be several future judgments that are mentioned in Scripture, not just one at the end of time. [1]

These future judgments will not be to determine one’s eternal destiny (in heaven or hell), but to determine the degree of pleasure a believer will have in heaven or the degree of suffering that an unbeliever will have in the lake of fire for eternity (Matthew 10:15). Our works and our attitudes / motivations will be evaluated by Judge Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:9, 10; Revelation 20:11-15; John 5:22).

Our Motives [2]

We all are motivated by various things. Fame, fortune, power, and pleasure motivate some people. We don’t always know why we do what we do. But God is omniscient and knows everything we think, say, do, and why we do what we do (1 Corinthians 4:5; John 2:25; Isaiah 46:10; Psalm 139).

Lollipop. Dr. Howard Hendricks points out that – “One form of [improper motivation] is what I call lollipop motivation: ‘Son, behave yourself in church this morning, and I’ll buy you an ice-cream cone.’ Or, ‘Memorize two hundred verses of Scripture, and we’ll send you to camp for a week.’ Now those sound good, and they can make students do good things. But it’s altogether possible that those good things will not have good results.”

Guilt. “Another improper motivation is guilt. That is another reason many people memorize Scripture: ‘I can’t be a first-class Christian if I don’t memorize these verses.’ In fact, this is probably one of the most common motivations some Christian communicators use. They keep piling the guilt higher and higher, and the people keep making the formations and salivating when you ring the bell. But all for the wrong reasons.”

Deception-Intentional Or Unintentional. “If I told you I knew a success formula and convinced you that if you tried it immediately it would totally revolutionize your life, you probably would give it a shot, but only once…Stop promising people more than…the Scriptures promise them. Don’t say, ‘If you come to Christ, all your problems will be solved.’ That is how people get disillusioned. Sure, Christ will meet their needs, but not according to your script, or your time, or in your way.” [2]

Other Motivations Include: [3]

Brotherly “Phileo” Love. “Philia refers to brotherly love and is most often exhibited in a close friendship. Best friends will display this generous and affectionate love for each other as each seeks to make the other happy. The Scriptural account of David and Jonathan is an excellent illustration of phileo love: “After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. . . . And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself” (1 Samuel 18:1-3).”

Family “Storge” Love. “Storge is an affectionate love, the type of love one might have for family or a spouse. It is a naturally occurring, unforced type of love. Some examples of storge love can be found in the stories of Noah, Jacob, and siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.” This kind of love will be lacking in the last days (2 Timothy 3:3).

Erotic “Eros” Love. “As its name indicates, eros is passionate or sexual love (eros is the source of the English word erotic). While eros is important within a marriage relationship and is created by God (see Song of Solomon), it can also be abused or mistaken for storge love. The Bible is clear that sexual immorality (out-of-control eros) is a sin (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3). Unsaved people can have brotherly love, family love, and erotic love, but not God’s “agape” love.

God’s “Agape” Love. “Agape speaks of the most powerful, noblest type of love: sacrificial love. Agape love is more than a feeling—it is an act of the will. This is the love that God has for His people and that prompted the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus, for our sins [John 3:16]. Jesus was agape love personified.” [3]

“Fruit Of The Spirit” – “Agape” love is produced by God the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23) in Spirit filled Christians (Ephesians 5:18), and can/should be demonstrated before others.  It needs to be directed toward the right objects, at the right time, and for the right reasons. Yes, it’s possible for a maturing Christian to misdirect God’s love (1 John 2:15-17). We can use the present world system, but we are not to abuse it (1 Corinthians 7:31).

Sacrificial Love. Spirit filled Christians need to be ready and willing, if necessary, to lay down our lives for the brethren by sharing our material things with those who are in genuine need (1 John 3:16, 17; Note: 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12).  Consider the Christian’s priority: “Therefore, as we (i.e., Christians) have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). [4]

Crowns. There are five crowns that Christians can /should earn for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). The “Incorruptible Crown” (1 Corinthians 9:25), the “Crown of Rejoicing” (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20), the “Crown of Righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8), the “Crown of Life” (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10), and the “Crown of Glory” (1 Peter 5:4). Do you know how to earn them? Those who earn them will cast them at Christ’s feet when we see Him as an expression of our love and appreciation to Him (Revelation 4:10). [5]

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

Future. Most of our rewards for faithful service to God and others are yet to come (Romans 8:18). “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that you labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). So “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9). Use the spiritual gift that God gave to you at the time of your salvation with love (1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 4:10).

Questions. What motivates you to do what you do? What needs to change or be continued? Do you have assurance of your salvation? Why should God let you into His heaven? Are you “believing in vain” (1 Corinthians15:2; Matthew 7:21 -23)?

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change and grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2,15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). If you have questions and/or comments, contact us through our website: www.kelseypeach.com or through our FB page.

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[1] Judgments – https://www.gotquestions.org/all-the-judgments.html

[2] Motives. The Law Of Encouragement, Dr. Howard Hendricks, Almost Every Answer For Practically Any Teacher, The 7 Laws of the Learner, Multnomah, Portland, OR. p. 63. Click here –

https://books.google.com/books?id=Fr7Kd3P1WyQC&pg=PA106&lpg=PA106&dq=howard%20hendricks%20motivated%20by%20lollypop%2C%20guilt%2C%20deceit&source=bl&ots=9d4o_7sarg&sig=ACfU3U32d1XHMrDjzasPEuw54O-zKE4A9w&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwii9dXbwveEAxXLJzQIHZTXC58Q6AF6BAgcEAM&fbclid=IwAR2y11UqTfEEdoOdYygGUwranl1hBwUOj6aLDKtwr6YBq3DIQR_UGbOLOuw#v=onepage&q=howard%20hendricks%20motivated%20by%20lollypop%2C%20guilt%2C%20deceit&f=false

[3] Other Motivations – https://www.gotquestions.org/phileo-love.html

[4] Sacrificial Love – “Fruit of the Spirit” – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2015/05/26/house-rules/

[5] Crowns – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2015/09/29/money-matters-part-2/

[6] The Believers’ Motives Judged. https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2024/02/14/death-generally-judgment-absolutely/

Additional Helpful Information

Attitude – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/05/17/attitude/

Ten Questions – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2014/10/21/when-you-die-10-questions/

The Test Questions – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/11/02/the-test-questions/

The Gospel Mandate

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

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

Scripture taken from the New King James Version

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