“What’s For Dinner?”

Crow & Humble Pie

Imagine that you and your family are traveling across the country to “See the U.S.A. in your new Chevrolet.” (Are you old enough to remember that commercial on TV?) Not long after you’ve been traveling, one of your the kids asks, “Are we there yet? I’m hungry. When are we going to eat?” On the side of the road you see a sign inviting you to a restaurant out in the middle of nowhere. So you decide to stop there for a meal.

After sitting at the table, you’re given a strange looking menu. The only thing on it is “Crow & Humble Pie.” [1] You can’t believe it. But since there is nothing else on the menu, and no other restaurants for miles, and you and they are starving, you decide that you’ll try it. Yuck! Without your knowing it, God intended for you to come to this restaurant to eat. He wanted to teach you a valuable lesson about humility.

Instead of crow and humble pie, God once forced a proud king to eat grass like an animal for seven years. After this harsh lesson, King Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful king of his day, came to his senses and humbly acknowledged that the Most High God rules in the kingdoms of men and gives it to whomever He wants to give it (Daniel 4:17). Never forget this – He is sovereign. But He allows the devil and his children to try their hardest, without success, to overthrow God. (Read about their foolish plan and God’s advice to them in Psalm 2. It may have an application for you if you’re a rebel at heart.)

“These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:16-19). Read this list again slowly.

Are you, if you’re a Christian, guilty of any of these things? Be honest. If you are, repent (change your mind about what you’ve done), and then confess your sin(s) to God your Father by naming them to Him. Then humbly and gratefully accept His forgiveness (2 Corinthians 7:8-10; 1 John 1:9). With God’s help, don’t keep repeating these things (See Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 28:13).

If you don’t make things right quickly with God and others whom you’ve offended, you could face serious, disciplinary measures. “For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons” (Hebrews 12:6-8). You could become weak, sick, and even die prematurely (1 Corinthians 11:30; See James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16). You could also be turned over to the torturers and suffer Satanic or demonic oppression (Matthew 18:34; See 1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 2:24-26).

Pharaoh, the unbelieving, rebellious King of Egypt, refused to submit to God’s command, even though he was given ample warnings to let the Jews leave Egypt (Exodus 5-10). “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1). He and his army perished in the Red Sea, and the Egyptians were made aware of the fact that the God of the Jews alone was/is the true and living LORD (Exodus 15:4). Do you believe this and act accordingly? What do you know about God’s character? See the link below. [2]

Are you puffed up and proud? “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)? Are you proud of your race, place, or face? [3] If so, beware; repent – change your mind before you fall and hurt yourself badly (Proverbs 16:18).

Fellow Christian, with God’s help let us walk humbly before Him and through love serve one another (Galatians 5:13; See Micah 6:8; 1 Corinthians 13; John 13:34, 35). “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

We’re here to serve and glorify God by trying to make Him known to others and assisting those who are teachable and willing to change for the better (1 Timothy 2:2, 25; 3:16, 17). We have a FREE “Understanding The Times Dispensation Chart” book marker on our website: www.kelseypeach.com. Please make a copy for yourself and a few extras for others.

If this article has helped you, we’d like to know how it has. Then please SHARE this with others. If you aren’t sure of your salvation, please read “The Bad News & Good News.” [4] Click on “Follow” to receive future articles as they come out.

[1] “Eat Crow” – To eat crow means to admit a humiliating error one has made, to concede a humiliating defeat. Crow is an unappetizing food, even listed in the book of Leviticus in the Bible as an animal that is not to be eaten. (See Leviticus 11) (https://grammarist.com/idiom/eat-crow/) To eat humble pie, in common usage, is to face humiliation and subsequently apologize for a serious mistake. Doing this, when necessary, can give us a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:21).

[2] God’s Attributes – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2017/11/17/a-caricature-of-god/

[3] Pride – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/pride-of-race-place-and-face/

[4] Bad News & Good News – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/the-bad-news-the-good-news/

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

“The Problem – Sin, Not Skin”

I salute the brave, American NFL player, Benjamin Watson for his comments on one of the cable networks, even though they cut him off short for saying what he did.  He just happens to have skin that is darker than mine.  He said that the problem in the world today involves sin, not one’s skin color. He’s right. (Please refer to the article at the end.) Let’s talk about the problem called “racism.”

Image. Adam and Eve were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). That image was tainted when they ate the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6-11). It won’t be restored to be like God’s until the time of the Rapture of the true Church (1 Corinthians 15:49; 1 John 3:3). Do you know the difference between the image of God and the likeness of God?

Slaves. Many people, throughout human history, have been involuntary slaves to other people. This problem still exists in many countries, including our own in perhaps a different form. (One example: Human trafficking) The Jews were slaves in Egypt for hundreds of years (Deuteronomy 6:21; 28:68; Acts 7:19). Even after they got into the land that was promised to them as an everlasting possession (Genesis 15:18-21), they became the slaves of their enemies whom they allowed to continue to live in the land. God had told them to get rid of them when “the iniquity of the Amorites was complete” (Genesis 15:13-16; Leviticus 33:52).

Judgment. God used the Jews to punish the wicked, diseased, and immoral Canaanites who were living in the land that was promised to the Jews forever. Many years later God used the wicked Babylonians to punish the rebellious Jews for violating God’s laws and the Sabbatical years (See Daniel 1:1, 2; Deuteronomy 28:15-68; Leviticus 25:4; 2 Chronicles 36:21; Jeremiah 25:12-14; 29:10).

Opposition. God is opposed to man’s efforts to create a one world government and a one world religion. But He will allow a man (antichrist) to have control over it for seven years just before Christ returns to rule and reign over the earth for 1,000 years (Isaiah 9:6, 7; Revelation 20:1-7). If God let man have control over the earth longer than seven years, no one would survive on earth (Matthew 24:22). During this time, over one half of the world’s population will die (Revelation 6:8; 9:15). When Christ returns, He will be the King of kings, and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). These days may come a lot sooner than most people think. What about you? Are you living in the light of Christ’s imminent return (John 14:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:8)?

The Devil. He’s a cruel taskmaster and wants to take as many people as he can to hell with him. There is no salvation offered to him or his angels/demons. Christ only died for the sins of mankind (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 John 2:2). This includes all men, not just a select few (1 Timothy 4:10). We don’t believe in “limited atonement.”

Voluntary Slavery. When people in the Old Testament times were enslaved to other Jews to pay off their debts, some of them found their masters to be kind and generous. When the time came for them to be set free, some of them chose to remain as slaves. To demonstrate their voluntary submission to their master, they had their ears bored with an awl. This left a scar that identified them as someone’s slave (Exodus 21:6).

Employment. In our country we usually have the freedom to choose for whom we will work in exchange for pay. Some people have good employers and others don’t. Regardless of what kind of boss you have, a Christian employee is supposed to do what the boss wants done so his product and/or service will bring in customers who will be willing to pay for them. The masters/owners/employers of the business also have responsibilities and are accountable to God (Ephesians 6:5-9). Every Christian is called upon to present his/her body to God as a living sacrifice so that God can use them for His glory and their happiness (Romans 12:1, 2). If you’re a believer, have you done this? If not, why?

Pride. There is the pride of race, place, and face. Believe it or not, there is just one race – the human race (Acts 17:26). We all go back to Adam and Even (Genesis 1, 2) and then through Noah and his three sons and their wives who didn’t die in the universal flood (Genesis 7, 8). The ethnic groups began to take shape after the flood when the Lord came down and changed their one language into many languages. Thus the work of building the Tower of Babel came to an end (Genesis 11). This is also the time when the continental shift began to take place and the topography of the earth changed (Genesis 10:25; See Isaiah 40:4). As the people with the same languages spread out, they began to intermarry and certain traits began to develop. Some people are proud of own accomplishments and their place/station in life. Still others are proud of their bone structure and facial features. All such pride is an abomination to God (Proverbs 6:16; 8:13). Learn about Lucifer’s problem with pride in Isaiah 14:11-15 and in Ezekiel 28:17. After all, what do you have that you didn’t receive (1 Corinthians 4:7)? “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:7).

Flesh. We all have a sin nature (disposition) that we inherited from our parents (1 John 1:8; Psalm 51:5). No parent has to teach his/her child to be bad. It comes naturally. It causes us to distort good things into evil things that can lead to a premature, physical death (James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16). Are you committing the “sin unto death” (1 John 5:16)​​? Do you know what it is? Hatred of other people can lead to murder as it did in the case of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4). But the Christian who is filled by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and who walks by the Spirit can’t/won’t fulfill the strong desires (lusts) of the flesh/sin nature (Galatians 5:16-25).

Conquer. Strife and unscriptural divisions are works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21; See 2 Corinthians 6:17). The devil can take advantage of this to destroy people and nations. He hates God and His people, the Jews and the true Christians. Don’t confuse these two groups (1 Corinthians 10:32). God is dealing with the true Church now, but His time clock with the Jews will begin again when the man of sin (antichrist) signs a 7 year peace agreement with the Jews after the true church has been raptured (See Romans 11:25; Daniel 9:27; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9; Revelation 3:10). We hope you won’t be “left behind.”

Anarchy. Today lawlessness (sin) abounds everywhere (1 Timothy 4:1-5; 2 Timothy 3:1-5). It’s going to get worse until Christ returns after the Seven Year Tribulation (Daniel 9:27) when 21 judgments are poured out on the inhabitants of the earth (Revelation 6-19). He will put an end to it when He comes and crushes His enemies with a rod of iron (Psalm 2:9; Revelation 19:11-16). His love for mankind (John 3:16, 18, 36) doesn’t keep Him from displaying His righteous anger and wrath toward wicked people, the devil, and his angels/demons (Revelation 6:16; 19:20, 21; 20:1-6).

Interpretation. We take God at His word. We believe that God means what He says and says what He means. Most Bible commentators take the Old Testament and the prophecies that were made about Christ’s first coming literally. But when it comes to Bible prophecy, many of them interpret it allegorically and twist the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:15). We believe that this is dishonest and makes God out to be a liar. He can’t/won’t lie (Titus 1:2; John 14:6; 17:17). We are not free to change the normal rules of interpretation just because we don’t like something that goes against our thinking or feelings. All of God’s attributes are in harmony with each other.

G.W.T. The Great White Throne judgment will be for all unbelievers. They will stand before Jesus, the righteous Judge (John 5:22; 2 Timothy 4:8). He will judge each one according to his/her works to determine his/her degree of suffering in the lake of fire forever (Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 10:15; 25:30, 41, 46). We hope that you won’t be one who will be separated from God forever.

Gospel. The Good News that leads to salvation is that Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Anyone who believes on Him alone will be saved (Acts 16:31). We’re not saved by our good works lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). We don’t believe in the universal salvation of all men and the devil and demons.

Final Solution. The injustice of “racism and slavery” won’t come to an end until Christ returns to this earth to rule as the King of kings, and the Lord of lords (Revelation 18:13). There is coming a day when all mankind will admit that Jesus is Lord (the God-man) to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:11). This verse does NOT teach “universalism” and that everyone will eventually be saved. “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Are you truly saved? Do you have assurance of your salvation? You can.

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15). We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If this articles has helped you, we’d like to hear from you and ask you to share it with someone else. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

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“Our Dependence On God”

A roving reporter came up to a man on the street and said, “Do you know what the two biggest problems in America are?” The pedestrian said, “I don’t know and I don’t care.” The reporter said, “You are absolutely right.”  Far too many people are unaware of what is really happening around them and the sad part is, they don’t really care until it’s too late.

The Problem: Ignorance About And Apathy For –

God. There are many false ideas about God in our world. Atheists, who boldly say, “There is no God” (Psalm 14:1) are fewer in numbers than they would like for us to believe. Some of them are often very aggressive in their attempts to try to force their beliefs on others. Atheism has been responsible for millions of deaths around the world. But disproving the existence of God is nearly impossible in view of the fact that not one of us has been everywhere in the universe where God might be. Agnostics are more honest when they claim not to know if there is a god or not. Many people do not believe that God is truly knowable. They have been misled by false prophets and teachers who claim to know the truth. In the midst of all this, there is the truth about God, who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things (Genesis 1:1; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16, 17). And yet, because so many people love the temporary pleasures that go along with darkness rather than light (John 3:19; Hebrews 11:25), they make excuses for not coming to the Light of the world (John 8:12). He also claimed to be the [only] way, the [absolute] truth, and the [giver of eternal] life (John 14:6; See Acts 4:12; 16:31). Being the truth Himself, He also had/has the power to set us free (John 8:32, 36) from our enslavement to our sinful passions (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 2 Peter 2:19), and from the overwhelming power of the devil who wants to take humanity with him to his eternal destiny in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 20:10).

Ourselves. The reason Jesus told Nicodemus that he needed to be born again from above (John 3:3-5) was due to the fact that all of us, without exception, are born into this world with the devil as our spiritual father (John 8:44; 1 John 3:9, 10). We also have a sinful nature (i. e. a lawless disposition) that was passed down to us from our parents (Psalm 51:5; 1 John 1:8; Romans 7:15-25). The devil tempts people to be proud of their race, face, or place in life (1 Timothy 3:6; See Ezekiel 28:17; 1 Corinthians 4:7), and to act independently of God (Genesis 3:5; Isaiah 14:14). Any human being can get out of Satan’s family simply by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ who died for his/her sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Salvation is by grace alone (It’s totally undeserved). It’s through faith alone in the Christ of the Scriptures alone, and not in the Christ of the cults. It is not of works on our part lest we should boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). A Christian can overcome the sinful passions that come from his sin nature when he learns how to walk by means of the Holy Spirit and when he is filled with the Spirit (Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18). We can overcome the temptations to be proud and to act independently of God by putting on the whole armor of God, while focusing our attention of the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:10-17; See 1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7). Our self righteousness is unacceptable to God (Isaiah 64:6). Without Christ’s righteousness put to our account, we cannot enter heaven (John 16:10). It is imputed to us at the moment of salvation (Romans 4:3-6, 22-25). No longer does the Christian have to obey his old boss, the devil. Submitting voluntarily to God is the only reasonable and logical thing for a Christian to do once he/she has been saved. If you’ve been saved, have you presented your body to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1, 2)? Are you yielding the members of your body to God each day for Him to use you for His glory and your good (Romans 6:11-23)?

The Spirit World. Fiction seems to rule the day as many children and even adults are enamored by sorcery, witchcraft, and the supernatural, unseen world. It must delight the devil’s heart to know that so many people grope around in spiritual darkness and are not able to identify him and his agents, the fallen angels (demons). Did you know that behind the wicked rulers of this world there are spirit beings who manipulate them like puppets (Daniel 10:13; Ephesians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 4:4). They also use false prophets and teachers to dispense doctrines of demons to humanity (1Timothy 4:1). Secular humanism and evolution are two examples. Some of their other teachings are so close to the truth that they are almost undetectable to some believers (Matthew 24:24) and the average person who doesn’t know the truth from God’s Word.

The Solution: Bible Doctrine And Compassion

Our Need To Study. This involves hard work that many people don’t want to do. It involves studying the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17), meditating on it (1 Timothy 4:15), memorizing it (Psalm 119:11), interpreting it correctly (Titus 1:9), and applying it properly (James 1:22; 4:17). Spiritual growth can be painful at times as our faith is tried (James 1:2; 2 Peter 3:18). But the rewards of studying God’s Word are immense. The truth can set us free from the tyranny of the devil and our sin nature (John 8:32, 36).

Our Need To Love. “God [the Father] so loved the world [you and me] that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have [eternal] life” (John 3:16). God’s love is produced in the lives of Spirit filled Christians who are walking by means of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16, 22, 23). We care about other people because God cared about us and His love has been poured out in our hearts (Roman 5:5). We are told to direct it toward the right objects at the right time (Galatians 5:13; 1 John 2;15-17). So we beg on Christ’s behalf – Put your faith in Him alone before it’s too late. Once you’ve been saved, start growing in the Lord (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18).  Learn to serve the Lord and others with gladness (Psalm 100:2; 1 Peter 4:10).  Reproduce yourself (Matthew 28:19, 20).

Our Need To Warn. Today could be your last day on earth before you enter eternity. Don’t boast about tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1). Our lives are like a vapor that appears for a little while and then it vanishes away (James 4:14). Live like today might be your last day on earth.  You’ll live a more productive life.

Paradigm Shift

Perhaps for the first time you’ve been made aware of truth concerning “God’s Simple Plan Of Salvation” for mankind. The Lord Jesus Christ, the God-man, came to reveal the Godhead and His plans to/for us (John 1:1-18). God is knowable through His inspired, written Word (2 Timothy 3:16 17), and through the living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:1-18). No matter how sinful you’ve been, if you’re alive physically, there is hope for you (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). The only unforgivable sin today is the sin of unbelief in Christ (John 16:9; 3:18, 36). If you die in unbelief without Christ as your personal Savior, you will be lost forever and suffer with the devil and his angels (demons) in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46). If you die as a true Christian, your future is as bright as the promises of God (John 14:1-3). We’d love to have you join us in heaven some day.

Help. Having read this, you will no longer be able to say, “I don’t know how to be saved and go to heaven.” We have done our best to share with you the truth from God’s Word on how you can be delivered from the clutches of the devil and from your own sin nature. If you need additional information, we invite you to contact us at 805-238-3549 or through our website: http://www.kelseypeach.com.  If this article has helped you, we’d like to hear from you.  Please share this with a friend in need.

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

God’s Simple Plan Of Salvation in 24 languages. http://www.kelseypeach.com/goodnews.htm

 

“Independent Living?”

One of the subtle temptations that comes from the devil is the notion that we can live our lives independently of God even though Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Having to go to God and humbly ask for wisdom (James 1:5) and direction for daily living (Romans 8:14; Proverbs 3:5, 6) seems so humbling and unnecessary for many people. Perhaps this was part of the temptation to Eve when the devil said to her through the serpent, “…God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). In other words, “You won’t have to rely on God to make such seemingly insignificant decisions.”

Pride. Did you know that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6)? Being omniscient, He knows the best course of action that we should take. He has graciously given us His Word (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). He knows that the regular intake of Bible doctrine is necessary for us to mature in Christ (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18). The Holy Spirit is the One who can illuminate the mind of one who is rightly related to Him (John 16:13; 1 John 2:20, 27). He and God the Son make intercession to the Father on our behalf and ask Him to bring into our lives what we need to become spiritually mature (Romans 8:26, 34). Sometime these things come into our lives through trials and tests (James 1:2) or through other people who act like chisels, hammers, and saws to shape us into Christ’s image (Galatians 4:19). Thank God for them (1 Timothy 2:1). The temptation to act in a proud manner also comes from the devil (1 Timothy 3:6).

Dependent. From the moment of birth all of us are dependent on our parents or someone else to care for our needs to be fed, changed, and bathed. This is often repeated when we get very old and incapable of taking care of our own personal needs. But in between these times we can/should do some things to take care of ourselves and others who are dependent on us (1 Timothy 5:8). However, we should never forget that our ability to earn money, with which to secure things or services, also comes from God. “For what do you have that you didn’t receive” (1 Corinthians 4:7). “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). But don’t forget that Satan’s offer to make one healthy, wealthy, and worldly wise comes with a high price tag that is often ignored (Matthew 4:9; James 3:15; Revelation 13:2). “There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

Independent. “Many Christians live most of the time without any thought of God, except to give thanks at a meal time, occasionally studying the Bible, praying and attending church services. The little daily activities are performed without regard to God. People attempt to make plans and then ask God to bless them. If God were included in making the plans, there would be no need to ask for God’s blessing.” – Dr. H. L. Schafer, “Maturing In Christ,“ p. 166

D.V. The Lord’s half brother James said it well. “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away“ (James 4:14). My friend, don’t leave God out of your decision making. Having to supplicate, intercede, or ask in Jesus’ name may not seem like the best course of action to take, but it can save us a lot of trouble down the road. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23). But have you ever thanked God for stopping you and keeping you from danger?

Thanks. “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Unless a believer is filled with/by God the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), he’s not likely to do this. But if and when we do this, we will be expressing our confidence in God’s ability to do far more than we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). How big is your God? The Psalmist said, “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together” (Psalms 34:3). It starts in our minds and expresses itself through our words and actions (Psalm 150:6). Everything we do should be to glorify God – to make Him known to others (1 Corinthians 10:31). Are you doing this in your life?

Victory. To overcome the temptation to act independently of God, the Christian needs to put on the whole armor of God and focus his attention on the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14). Without Christ as our personal Savior, we have no righteousness that can make us acceptable to God (See Isaiah 64:6; Romans 4:3-5; Ephesians 1:6). We have no reason to act independently of God or to be proud. At the moment of our salvation God puts Christ’s righteousness to our account (Romans 4:3-5, 22-25; James 2:23). Without it we can’t enter heaven (John 16:10). Have you done the right thing by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4)? If not, why not now?

More? If you’d like to learn more about how to become a Christian or how to live the Christian life, we invite you to contact us or join us on Wednesdays from 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. (Pacific Time) for live lessons at the Grace Baptist Church in Paso Robles, CA or by means of a phone hookup. For more information, call 805-238-3549.

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

Clear Gospel – Audio: http://www.duluthbible.org/filerequest/9415

God’s Simple Plan Of Salvation in 24 languages. http://www.kelseypeach.com/goodnews.htm

“The Boisterous, Belligerent Bully”

Who do you think you are anyway? Do you think of yourself more highly than you should think? To whom do you compare yourself? You can always find someone whom you think is inferior to you without realizing that there are a lot of people who are superior to you in many areas. God transcends everyone. He alone is God and there is none like Him.

Story. Consider the apocryphal story that was reported to be the actual radio conversation of a US naval ship with Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland in October, 1995. Radio conversation released by the Chief of Naval Operations 10-10-95.

Americans: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the North to avoid a collision.

Canadians: Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degrees to the South to avoid a collision.

Americans: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.

Canadians: No. I say again, you divert YOUR course.

Americans: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS LINCOLN, THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES’ ATLANTIC FLEET. WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH, THAT’S ONE FIVE DEGREES NORTH, OR COUNTER-MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP.

Canadians: This is a lighthouse. It’s your call.

Reality. The American captain of the aircraft carrier thought he was so important he could demand that a Canadian crew change its course to avoid a collision. When he finally learned that the “Canadian crew” was some guy tending a lighthouse, things took on a whole new perspective.

Examples. God humbled proud King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon by causing him to go insane and eat grass for 7 years until he learned who God was/is (Daniel 4). For taking credit that belonged to God alone, King Herod died a gruesome death and was eaten by worms (Acts 12). The arrogant Antichrist and the False Prophet will be cast into the lake of fire after their 7 year rule over the whole earth (Revelation 19:20). At the same time God will humble His adversary the devil. He will use a lowly and inferior angel to confine Satan in the abyss (in the heart of the earth) for 1,000 years as Jesus reigns as the King of kings and Lord of lords on this earth (Revelation 19:16; 20:1-3). After this Satan will be released for a short period of time to gather all the rebellious people on earth as they make one final attempt to overthrow God. It will fail and all of them will be cast into the lake of fire to suffer forever (Revelation 20:7-15). We hope you won’t end up there with them (Matthew 7:21-23; 25:41, 46).

Pride. If not checked, it can lead to a fall from which we might not ever recover (Proverbs 16:18). Do you know which piece of the armor of God the Christian must use to overcome pride (Ephesians 6:14)? Are you committing “the sin unto death” (1 John 5:16; James 5:19, 20)? Pride led to Lucifer’s fall (Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:12-19). As His creatures we should humble ourselves before God, the Creator (James 4:10; Genesis 1:27). Are you proud of your race, face, or place in life? What do you have that you didn’t receive (1 Corinthians 4:7)?

Tools. Metaphorically speaking, God has a “tool box” in which are chisels, hammers, saws, sand paper and various other things. He can/does use these on His children to remove the undesirable elements so we can become more like Jesus in our walk and talk (Hebrews 12:5, 6). God can use adversarial people, unpleasant circumstances, or the loss of the material things that have become an idol to us (1 John 5:21).

Basics. God wants His people to always do what is right in His sight, to be compassionate to those who are suffering, and to walk humbly before Him (Micah 6:8). “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).

Help. We’re here to help those who want to know how they can be sure that they will go to heaven when they die and those who want to know how He wants Christians to live. (Ask about our FREE “Dispensational Chart.”) No, we don’t have all the answers to the questions in life, but what we have we gladly share with those who are teachable and willing to change when presented with the truth from God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:2; 3:16, 17; John 17:17). We can be reached at 805-238-3549 or through our website at www.kelseypeach.com. If you’ve been helped by this article, we’d like to hear from you. Consider sharing it with someone else too. Click on “Follow” if you’d like to receive future articles as they come out.

“Curse God And Die?”

It’s hard for us to imagine that a godly man’s wife would suggest such a thing to her husband. But she did (Job 2:9). After all, she and her husband had just suffered terrible losses in a moment of time: 500 oxen, 500 female donkeys, 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, plus all of their 10 children who were killed tragically when a house collapsed on them (Job 1). Try to imagine their grief and pain.

Blame. The messenger who brought the report to the patriarch Job was mistaken about the cause of the tragedy. He thought it was the “fire of God” that had done it when in reality it was the devil who was responsible for the calamity (Job 1:16; Contrast 1 Kings 18:24, 38; 2 Kings 1:10-12). By the way, did you know that the devil had authority over death in the Old Testament times unless God restricted him as he did with Job (Hebrews 2:14). Today Jesus holds the keys of death (Revelation 1:18) and no one can take the life of a believer without God’s permission. Jesus turns the key and opens the door for believers to enter heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14). There are no “back doors into heaven” as some “churches within Christendom” are teaching today. Ask about this false teaching that brings terrible grief to the living.

Worse. To make things even worse, in the next wave, Job was stricken with boils from his head down to his feet (Job 2). This tells us that Satan can cause and cure diseases and create life if God allows him to do so (Exodus 8:7). During the seven years of Tribulation (that may soon be here) the devil will empower the Antichrist and the false prophet to replicate and imitate the miracles of Christ and His disciples (2 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:2, 11-15). We have many false teachers today who seem to be engaging in such things through their “miracle healing meetings”* (Matthew 7:21-23; 2 Peter 2:1ff).

Why? If such terrible things were to happen to you as they did to Job, how do you honestly think you might respond? Would you fall apart and ask, “Why me?” Would you feel sorry for yourself? Did you know that self pity is a form of pride that comes from the devil? Would you become disappointed, discouraged, and even doubt God and His Word? What pieces of the armor of God should you (if you’re a Christian) put on mentally to counteract the devil’s temptations (Ephesians 6:10-17)?

Blaspheme. People have cursed and blamed God for far less than that which happened to the patriarch Job. Consider what some people will do during “The Tribulation” days on earth (Revelation 16:10, 11). Hopefully you won’t be here on earth when all this occurs. Do you know how to avoid those awful days? If not, ask.

Heavenly Drama. Without Job’s knowing it, there was a conflict going on in heaven between God and Satan over him. When Satan and other good and evil angels reported to God in heaven one day, God taunted the devil into considering the righteous man Job. Satan responded by saying that the only reason Job served Him was because God had blessed him. If God were to take away all of Job’s material blessings Satan thought he would curse God (Job 1:6-12).

Purpose. God wanted to prove him wrong and he did, but Satan wouldn’t repent and never will. Don’t fall for the false teaching that eventually everyone, including the devil and demons, will be saved. Some people hate God and His children (Psalm 2:1-3; 10:3-13; 14:1; John 15:18). They would feel miserable if they were forced to go to heaven against their will. This false teaching is sometimes called “Universalism.” **

Challenge. God Himself was not willing to strip Job of his possessions, but He allowed Satan to do it. He didn’t let him lay a hand on Job in the first round. But when Satan said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life” God went even further and allowed the devil to afflict Job’s body too. The only restriction was, “Spare his life” (Job 2:6).

Test. God may allow you or me (as Christians) to be tested in a similar way as Job was. When we’re tempted, we’re given a special opportunity to display to God, human beings, and spirit beings (Daniel 4:17; Hebrews 1:14) our love for God rather than our love for personal pleasures that come from sinning (Hebrews 11:25). If sin had no pleasures associated with it, we wouldn’t pursue it and engage in it. Think about that for a moment. Christians who endure the test successfully, with God’s help (Philippians 4:13), will be given the “Crown of Life” at the Bema Seat Judgment (James 1:12; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

Caution. Contrary to what some people are being taught, crowns, rewards, and praise from God must be earned after we’re saved. Not every Christian gets them (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 John 1:8; Revelation 3:11). Do you know how many crowns a Christian can earn and how they must be earned?  Salvation is received by grace alone, through faith alone, in the Christ of the Scripture alone (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Beware of false teachers who want you to place your faith in a false Christ and another way of salvation (Matthew 24:5; Acts 4:12; 16:31).

True Love. The Apostle John warned maturing Christians by writing, “[Stop] loving the world [system] or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love [for] the Father is not it him” (1 John 2:15). You can’t love (agape) God and the present world system at the same time (Luke 16:13). Christians may and must use the world system while we’re here on earth, but we’re not to abuse it (1 Corinthians 7:31).

Knowledgeable. Now, unless you know what makes up the present world system, and who devised it and why he did it, you won’t know what it is that you’ve not supposed to love. Without your knowing it, your misdirected (agape) love of the present world system might be the problem that you’re having in your relationship with God? Does God abide (feel at ease) with you; do you abide (feel at ease) with Him (John 15:1-14)? We have three distinct spiritual enemies that want to disrupt our fellowship with God and make us ineffective in our service to God. Don’t blame the devil for everything.

Security. True Christians can’t lose their salvation (John 10:28, 29), but we, like King David, can lose the joy of our salvation when we sin (Psalm 51:5; Philippians 4:4-6). Beware of those who say Christians don’t have a sin nature that causes them to sin.*** If you need and want further help, and you’re teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2), contact us.

Treasures. Perhaps in response to our natural desire to cling to earthly, material things rather than to God, William Cowper may have written this song entitled “Treasures.” The words go like this: “One by one He took them from me, / All the things I valued most. / Until I was empty-handed; / Every glittering toy was lost. / Then I walked earth’s highway grieving, / In my rags and poverty; / ‘Til I heard His voice inviting: / Lift your empty hands to me. / So I held my hands toward Heaven, / And He filled them with a store / Of His own transcendent riches, / ‘Til they could contain no more. / Then at last I comprehended / With my stupid mind and dull, / That God could not pour out His riches / Into hands already full.”

Questions. What do you value most? How do you spend your time and money?  What do you know about the spiritual blessings that God gave to every Christian at the time of his/her salvation (Ephesians 1:3)? What do you know about your “position in Christ” and your “possessions in Christ”? Without knowing these things, you are more than likely to live like a pauper than a kingly priest (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:6), an ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20), and a joint heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).

Contact. If you have questions/comments, you may reach us at 805-238-3549 or visit our website at www.kelseypeach.com for more helpful information. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

Share. If this article has helped you, may we count on you to share it with someone else in your circle of influence? Together we can reach many people for Christ. It’s not necessarily who you know, but whom others know. Imagine where you might be today if no one had reached out to you with the Good News concerning Christ that pointed you to Christ.

Home Bible Studies. Have you ever thought about having a home Bible study with others?  Consider using these articles as the material to be read and discussed.  If you’re interested, perhaps we could help you via the Internet.  Think about the possibilities.

Clear Gospel in 30 languages. www.cleargospel.org

God’s Simple Plan Of Salvation http://kelseypeach.com/goodnews.htm

* Faith Healers http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/doctrine/charis06.htm

** Universalism http://www.gotquestions.org/unitarian-universalism.html

***Sin Nature http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/doctrine/1natjm01.htm

Dangers to avoid: http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/doctrine/dangerso.htm

 

“Satan’s Fiery Darts” Part 2

God’s adversary, the Devil, has within his tool box all kinds of things to try to ruin the true believer’s life while he is here on earth. Satan knows that he can’t take a believer’s salvation from him, but he can/does take the joy out of living for many believers who succumb to his enticements.

Coward. Whatever mental images you may have about the Apostle Peter, you should know that he was a very sincere man who told the Lord that he would never deny Him. Being the self confident man that he was, the Lord told him that the Devil wanted to sift all twelve disciples but He (Jesus) would only allow Satan to tempt Peter at that time (Luke 22:31-33). We all know that Peter ended up denying His Lord three times (John 18:15-17, 25, 27). Self confidence rather than confidence in God can/will lead to a fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Timothy. One of the Apostle Paul’s travel companion, Timothy, also yielded to Satan’s temptation to act in a cowardly manner while he was in Ephesus. The believers in Asia had forsaken Paul (2 Timothy 1:7-15; 2:2-5) and Timothy felt that his life was in jeopardy. So he kept his mouth shut.

Paul. On one occasion Paul himself was fearful when he came to the city of Corinth without his travel companions. His philosophical method that he had used in Athens didn’t result in a local church’s being established there. The Lord appeared to Paul in a vision to encourage him and to remind him that if he’d proclaim the Gospel in Corinth many people would be saved (Acts 18:9, 10; John 6:37). If you’re a Christian, perhaps you’ve faced a similar temptation to act in a cowardly manner when you tried to tell others about Christ. Do you know which piece of the armor you need to put on to counter this attack from Satan (Ephesians 6:17)?

Lying. We know that the Devil is a liar (John 8:44). He lied to Eve in the garden (Genesis 3:4). He tempted Ananias and Sapphira to lie to the Holy Spirit about the amount of money they received from the sale of some property that they owned (Acts 5:1-4). They wanted the same approbation that Barnabas had received for his generous gift to meet the needs of the Jewish believers in Jerusalem at that time (Acts 4:32-37). This incident was not one that should be used to promote socialism or communism that doesn’t work well.

Capitalism.  God is not opposed to capitalism even though many people have abused it (Ephesians 4:28). By the way, do you know what the best form of government is and when it will be established on earth (Revelation 19:16; Isaiah 9:6, 7)?

Deception.  While we don’t have to tell others everything they may want to know, it is a sin to tell a half truth with the intent to deceive others. Have you ever been guilty of this? Do you exaggerate? Do you know which piece of the armor is needed to overcome the temptation to lie (Ephesians 6:14)?

Pride. This temptation also comes as an attack from the Devil. It is an attitude that God hates (Proverbs 6:17; 8:13). When a new Christian, with the spiritual gift of a Pastor-teacher (Ephesians 4:11), is placed in a local church as a bishop (overseer), he is much more prone to be attacked by the devil to become proud (1 Timothy 3:6). Before he accepts such a position, he should be given some time to grow in the sphere of grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

Qualifications. Those in leadership positions, whether bishops (overseers) or deacons, need to have the Biblical qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:1-13. Don’t follow an under-shepherd who doesn’t have them. He may be a hireling in the ministry for the money (John 10:11-13; 1 Timothy 6:3-10; 2 Peter 2:15).  James, the Lord’s half brother warned, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment” (James 3:1).

Expectations. What does God say a Christian should expect in this life (2 Timothy 3:12)? What was the Apostle Paul’s experience (2 Corinthians 11:22-33)? Some people find their way into leadership positions to gain control over the church. Diotrephes, who loved to have the preeminence in the church, was such a man who even opposed the Apostle John (3 John 1:9-11).

Shepherds. They are to lead by example (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 2:5-11), not dictate from the rear (1 Peter 5:1-5). His job includes feeding, guiding, guarding, and healing the flock of God (Acts 20:28-30). He is not to “tickle people’s ears.” He is to convince, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and teaching. Many of his listeners will not endure sound doctrine. They will want smooth talkers who tell them what they want to hear rather than the Word of God and what they need to hear (2 Timothy 4:1-4).

Questions. Have you yielded to these temptations? Would you like to live victoriously over your spiritual enemies: the Devil, your own sin nature, and the present world system? Are you teachable and willing to change if you can be shown from Scripture what God says (2 Timothy 2:2, 15, 24-16; 3:16, 17)?

Help. We’re here to show people how they can have eternal life as a present possession and a home in heaven by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (1 John 5:13; Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians s15:3, 4). You may call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our website at www.kelseypeach.com for more information.

“Decision Making” Part 3

In a rut? “Years ago when the western U. S. was being settled, roads were often just wagon tracks. These rough trails posed serious problems for those who journeyed on them. On one of these winding paths was posted a sign which read: ‘Avoid this rut or you’ll be in it for the next 25 miles!’” – Source unknown

Ivy. Paul Van Gorder wrote, “On a road not far from my home are some trees that are slowly being destroyed by huge coils of ivy. The vines wind themselves like snakes around the trunk. At this point it is impossible to untwist these runners because they are so firmly embedded into the trees. They are literally strangling the life out of those helpless giants. But there was a day when the ivy was a small plant just seeking a little support in climbing. Had the trees resisted these tiny tendrils, they would not be in the state they are today.” To help us make the right decisions, let us consider –

The “Slave” Test. Believe it or not, we are the slave of the one to whom we yield (Romans 6:14-18). Most people, including many Christians, love and serve themselves (their sinful nature) or the devil (2 Timothy 3:2; Ephesians 2:2, 3; John 8:44). Others love the world system and abuse it (1 John 2:15-17; 1 Corinthians 7:31). During the early years of his Christian life, the Apostle Paul admitted that he had a real struggle with his sin nature just as we do (Romans 7:15-25; 1 Corinthians 10:13).

Victory. Victory over the sin nature came to him when he learned how to walk by means of the Holy Spirit and let Him kill the strong desires (lusts) that came from his (Paul’s)  sin nature (Galatians 5:16-25). Those who deny that they have one are only deceiving themselves and are proud (1 John 1:8; 1 Timothy 5:3-5).* God wants every Christian to live victoriously over all three of our spiritual enemies. He doesn’t want us to keep on sinning even though He knows we will sin sometimes. That is why we need an Advocate – Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1, 2; 3:7-10).

Methodology. Here, briefly, is what God tells us to do with reference to each of our three spiritual enemies: Our sin nature – Galatians 5:16-26; Romans 6:11-14; Satan – 1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7; Ephesians 6:10-17; Satan’s world system – 1 John 2:15-17; 1 Corinthians 7:31. Would you like to live a victorious Christian life? If you’re teachable and willing to change, there is hope for you (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; Romans 12:1, 2).****

Ensnared. If not, you may become a “Satanically ensnared Christian” (2 Timothy 2:26), or a “carnal Christian”* who is about to die prematurely (Romans 8:6; 1 Corinthians 3:1-4; 11:30). Those who defy God and act lawlessly may have their days on earth shortened by committing the “sin unto death” (1 John 5:16; James 5:19, 20). Your “actual years” may not equal your “potential years.” “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12:6). Are you a true son or daughter of God? Make sure of it (2 Peter 1:10; 1 John 5:13).  Don’t be one who “believes in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:2; Matthew 7:21-23).

Confess. It you’re a Christian who is out of fellowship with God, repent (change your mind about what you are doing – 2 Corinthians 7:9, 10), and then confess your sin(s) specifically to God, and He will forgive you (1 John 1:9). Then make sure that you accept His forgiveness, and learn from the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15), and perhaps through a more mature Christian**** (1 Corinthians 11:1; Hebrews 13:7, 17), how not to keep on doing the things that break your fellowship with Him and make you miserable (1 John 1:7).

Victory. “Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin – Each victory will help you some other to win; Fight manfully onward, Dark passions subdue; Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.” – Horatio R. Palmer. Read and believe 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Help.  If you have honest questions/comments, contact us at 805-238-3549 or visit our website at http://www.kelseypeach.com.  If this article helped you, let us know how it did.  Share it with someone else who is teachable and willing to change.  Click on “Follow” to receive future articles as they come out.

*Sin Nature: http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/doctrine/1natjm01.htm

****”Maturing In Christ” by Dr. H. L. Schafer http://www.xulonpress.com/bookstore/index.php?keyword=maturing+in+christ+&searchtype=title&qfunction=search&x=0&y=0

Some material and ideas in this article have been adapted from George Zeller, http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/christia/67tests.htm

 

“Immature Or Maturing?”

                From the time of our new birth from above (John 3:3, 6), when we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, by believing that He died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the grave (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4), each believer finds himself at a certain state/level of spiritual maturity.  Some Christians are new babes in Christ; many are carnal and walking according to their sinful nature (1 Corinthians 3:1; Romans 8:5-8).  Carnal Christians are in danger of dying prematurely (1 John 5:16).  Yes, there is such a thing as “the sin unto death.”  And then there are those who are maturing spiritually (1 Corinthians 2:15; Romans 8:14).  These people actually please God (2 Corinthians 5:9).

                Prayer.  “The immature Christian prays that God will withhold pain and suffering, seeing these things as evil. The mark of a mature Christian is that he can look back on his life and see that God can take the pains and pressures of life and cause them to work together for good in his life and ultimately draw one near to Himself through them. The immature shun suffering. While the mature do not seek it, they come to savor it in the light of how beautifully God uses it to bring us into intimacy with Himself. When knowing God is the ultimate good, suffering is not too high a price to pay to obtain it:  [The Apostle Paul wrote]: ‘… that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; …’ (Philippians 3:10).”  Bob Deffinbaugh  “The View From The Graveyard” Genesis 48 Commentary

                Trials.  How do you handle them?  Do you count it all joy when they come into your life (James 1:2)?  Do you ever think of your adverse circumstances and abrasive people as those whom God can use to help conform you into Christ’s image (Romans 8:29)?  Like hammers, chisels, saws, and sandpaper, our trials can be used by God for His glory and our advantage.  The Apostle Paul wrote: “For I consider the sufferings of this present time and not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).  “Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:10).  Would you like to be instrumental in the deliverance of someone from hell to heaven?  There is the “Crown of Rejoicing” awaiting those who lead others to Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20).

                Beyond.  On the other side of the grave the believer has the happy anticipation of spending eternity with God in heaven (John 14:1-3).  “And God will wipe away every tear from [the believer’s] eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away…But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:4, 8).

                Questions.  In which group will you be found?  It’s all based on one act of faith.  “He who believes in Him [the Lord Jesus Christ] is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God…He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on Him” (John 3:18, 36).  Would you like to enter God’s family?  If you’re already in it, do you act like a child of God?  If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?  Are you yielding to temptations that come from the devil, your own sin nature, or the present world system?  To live victoriously, we must know how to react to each of these enemies. 

                Victory.  The devil’s 14 identifiable temptations must be overcome by putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17).  The temptations that come from our own sin nature must be overcome by walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25), and the temptations from the present world system must be overcome by our refusal to love the devil’s world system (1 John 2:15-17) but at the same time using it without abusing it (1 Corinthians 7:31). 

                Sinless Perfection?  Not in this life.  God doesn’t want Christians to sin and has made it possible for us not to sin (act lawlessly), but He knows that we will sin periodically (1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 John 2:1; 3:9, 10).  When we do, we must be quick to confess our sins to God (1 John 1:9) and to those whom we offend (James 5:16).  If the person forgives you, ask him/her not to hold it against you as a club.  Let our forgiveness of others follow the example of God (Ephesians 4:31).

                Pass It On.  If this article has helped you, will you pass it on to someone else?  To receive these articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”  Visit our website: www.kelseypeach.com for additional help and/or information.

“If I Were A Jew, I’d…”

The Jews, like everyone else, are human beings with strong feelings. They are not pigs, monkeys, or rats to be exterminated as some of their combative relatives believe and teach to their children. The animosity and hatred between Abraham’s sons Ishmael, Isaac, and his six other sons by Keturah (Genesis 25:2), and between Isaac’s sons Esau and Jacob has been going on for about 4,000 years. Our politicians, who think they can force a peace agreement between these groups, need a good lesson in the history of these people to discover why they act as they do (Genesis 16:11, 12). This information is recorded for us in the Scriptures that are God-breathed and accurate (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; John 17:17).

Scriptures.  The Bible tells us in words what God wants us to know.  Some of the Scripture is truth to be believed, and other parts are truths to be believed and practiced (2 Timothy 2:15; Titus 1:9).  Those who don’t interpret the Bible normally (literally, historically, grammatically) will not be able to make much sense of the Bible.  It will seem contradictory.  To help you understand the divisions in Scripture, ask for our FREE “Dispensational Chart.”  It could help answer a lot of questions you have about the Bible.

Hated.  Ever since God selected Abraham to be the special recipient of His grace and through whom He would bless the nations (Genesis 12:1-3), the devil and his agents have tried to contaminate and/or exterminate them (Revelation 12:1-6). God graciously chose Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and his twelve sons to be the ones through whom the Messiah would come (Genesis 3:15; 22:18; 49:10), and through whom the Scriptures would be given to mankind (Deuteronomy 4:5-8; Romans 3:1, 2; 2 Peter 1:19-21).

Land.  God strategically placed them in a land where several continents converge.  As these people from Gentile nations passed through their land, the Jews were to be a witness to the unity of God in the midst of universal idolatry (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43;10-12).  They were supposed to illustrate to all the nations the blessedness of serving the true and living God (Deuteronomy 33:26-29; 1 Chronicles 17:20, 21; Psalm 144:15).

Displaced.  But the Jews failed in their mission and became like the heathen nations around them.  Consequently, God delivered them into the hands of their enemies (the Assyrians and the Babylonians).  The southern two tribes were in captivity in Babylon for 70 years and then were allowed, by a Persian (Iranian) king (Ezra 1:1-11; Nehemiah 2:1-8), to return to the land that God had given to them in an unconditional covenant (Jeremiah 25:11, 12; Daniel 1:1, 2; Genesis 15:18-21).  Those who would like to take this land from them need to be aware of God’s judgment that will befall those who persecute the Jews (Genesis 12:1-3).

Future.  One day, during the literal, millennial reign of Christ on/over the whole earth (Revelation 20:1-6), the meek, believing Jews, who survive the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:15-31), will possess all the land from the Mediterranean Sea to the Euphrates River (Matthew 5:5; Genesis 15:18-21).  They and believing Gentiles will repopulate the earth.  This day may soon be here.  There are many indicators that would suggest this as the world stage is being set up for the New World Order.

Feelings.  With all that has happened to the Jews over the last 4,000 years, it’s no wonder that they have mixed emotions.  Through Moses, God clearly spelled out to the Jews what would happen to them if they obeyed God’s Law or if they disobeyed it (Deuteronomy 28).  Today many Jews are agnostics and don’t know about or believe their other Jewish prophets who spoke of Israel’s final restoration to the land (Ezekiel 37-48; Isaiah 40-66; Jeremiah 30-33). A few claim to be atheists.  What does God say about them (Psalm 14:1)? Some are very suspicious and cautious toward other people including other Jews with different world views.  If I were a Jew, I might have some of these feelings:

Pride.  The religious Jews of Christ’s day were very proud of their ancestor Abraham while accusing Jesus of being illegitimate (John 8:33, 41).  Some false teachers today discredit Jesus and don’t believe in His virgin birth either.  Before his conversion, Saul (Paul) was pretty impressed with his own resume (Philippians 3:4-6; Acts 22:3-5). Some Jews thought that God chose them because of their exceptional qualities. But Moses wrote: “The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but because the Lord loves you, and because He would keep His oath which He swore to your fathers…” (Deuteronomy 7:7-11). Jeremiah reminded them that their heart was/is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-23). Isaiah told them that their self righteous works were like filthy rags in God’s sight (Isaiah 64:6). Jews and non-Jews have been and always will be saved from eternal condemnation by God’s grace through faith in Him (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5).  Abraham was saved when he believed God who said that He would give him a son in his old age (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3).  Today, people are saved when they believe on the Lord Jesus Christ who He died for all our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).  Have you placed your faith in Him alone for your salvation?  Are you depending on your good works too?  If so, stop!

Shame.  Abraham was a great man of faith (Hebrews 11:8-19).  But he lied about his wife Sarah on two occasions. He thought his own life was in danger when Pharaoh and later Abimelech wanted to take her into their harems (Genesis 12:10-20; 20:2). Isaac did the same thing (Genesis 26:7). Jacob was known for his scheming and lied to get the birthright from his older twin, Esau (Genesis 27:24). Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, engaged in a despicable act (Genesis 35:22). Judah, through whom the Messiah was to come (Genesis 49:10; Matthew 1:3), got involved in incest and harlotry (Genesis 38:15-26). King David committed adultery and murdered Bathsheba’s husband (2 Samuel 11). And yet God forgave him when he confessed his sins (Psalm 51).  God’s grace is truly amazing (Ephesians 2:8, 9).  Have you responded to it?

Fear.  When Haman tried to exterminate the Jews, Esther (the Jewish queen and wife of the Persian king Ahasuerus), pleaded with the other Jews to fast for three days lest they be wiped out of existence (Esther 3:6; 4:16). In more recent history, the Jews lived in constant fear of being annihilated during the holocaust in Germany. They still are facing those who want to wipe them off the face of the earth. It’s extremely sad to think that there are those within Christendom who believe that there is no future for the nation of Israel.  They falsely believe and say that the Church has taken over the promises that were given to the Jews.  This is called “Replacement Theology.”  Don’t believe it. God has a very bright future in store for the believing Jewish remnant who will survive the time of Jacob’s trouble, known as “The Great Tribulation” (Romans 9:27; Isaiah 2:4; 11:1-16; 35:1-10; Jeremiah 30:7; Matthew 10:22; 24:21).  You won’t want to be on earth when this happens.  Do you know who will avoid these days?  Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11; Revelation 3:10.

Anger.  The prophet Jonah got angry at God for sending him to the wicked and cruel Ninevites to warn them of God’s judgment (Jonah 4). He didn’t want God to be merciful to them even though there were 120,000 small children in that city.  Sadly, there are some Jews who don’t want God to be merciful and gracious to anyone other than the Jews (Romans 9:14-24).  Thankfully God has been merciful to both Jews and Gentiles today but most of them have not responded to God with faith in Christ.  Are you angry at God?  If you are, why?

Fury.  One of Israel’s judges, Jepthah, the son of a harlot (Judges 11:1), became furious with his fellow Jews for ridiculing him after he had won a great victory for Israel. He slaughtered 42,000 Jews from the tribe of Ephraim who harassed him (Judges 12:6).

Rage.  The Jews who returned to Israel after their deportation to Babylon faced an angry crowd made up of Samaritans who were half Jewish and half Gentiles (non-Jews). Their lives were threatened as they rebuilt the walls around Jerusalem (Nehemiah 4:7, 8). Some have wondered whether the scourge of World War II may have had some Jewish blood in him.  Who or what motivated Hitler?  Was it the devil or a demon?  The devil took over Judas’ body as soon as he left the upper room, where Jesus and His disciples were observing the Passover, and went to the Jewish leaders to betray Jesus (John 13:27).  The Jewish leaders were engaged against Jesus for claiming to be God and the King of the Jews (John 5:16-18; 8:58, 59; 10:30, 31; Luke 19:14; 23:21).  The devil will empower the Antichrist when he takes control over the whole world after he is killed and raised back to life in the middle of the Tribulation (2 Thessalonians 2:7-10; Revelation 13:2-4).  Can people be demon possessed today?  What about Christians (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; John 14:17)?

Humility.  The Jewish virgin, Mary was deeply grateful for the honor of being selected to be the mother of the promised Messiah (Luke 1:26-33; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). She was qualified in that she came from the line of King David through Nathan (Luke 3:31).  Joseph was the step father of Jesus and came from King Solomon, David’s son (Matthew 1:6). Mary felt unworthy and even acknowledged her own sinfulness, contrary to what one branch of Christendom teaches about her (Luke 1:26-38).

Excitement.  When Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, heard about Mary’s pregnancy, her baby leaped in her womb (Luke 1:41). Her husband, Zacharias the priest, delivered a benediction on Mary’s child (Luke 1:67-79). Anna the prophetess also gave thanks to the Lord for sending a Redeemer to Israel (Luke 2:38). At His second coming, the believing Jewish remnant will rejoice to see their Messiah’s coming to deliver them from annihilation by the Antichrist (Matthew 23:39; 24:15-31; Acts 1:11; Zechariah 12:8-10; Jude 1:14; Revelation 19:11-16).

Deliverance.  Today Jews and Gentiles are saved the same way. Paul, who had been a Jewish rabbi, wrote, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16). The Gospel is that Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). We aren’t saved by our good works lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9).

Help.  If you have questions and/or comments, we invite you to call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our website for more information:  www.kelseypeach.com.  If you’d like to receive these articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” 

Favor.  Would you help us get the meat of the Word out to others who may long for it?  Too many highly emotional and carnal people seek out teachers with itching ears who tell people what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear (2 Timothy 4:1-4).  We want to proclaim the truth with love (Ephesians 4:15).  If this article has helped you, would you let us know about it?