There are no “accidents” in the lives of Christians, only “incidents.” They are designed to give us an opportunity to display before other believers and non-believers the “Fruit of the Spirit” which is Christlikeness (Galatians 5:22, 23). Question – will we pass or fail the test that is given to us? Will we demonstrate our “agape” love for God and earn “The Crown of Life” (James 1:12)?
James, the Lord’s half-brother (Matthew 13:35), wrote these words to Jewish Christians who were experiencing severe hardships and trials in life (James 1). The Apostle Paul wrote, “…all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus said, “They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service” (John 16:2). But such suffering is not worth comparing to the glory that shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).
Since we who are Gentile Christians are one with Jewish Christians (Galatians 3:28, 29), we can apply these words to ourselves too (Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14). BTW – The Church has NOT replaced Israel. God is not finished with the Jewish nation. (See 1 Corinthians 10:32; Romans 11). [1]
Profiting from Trials
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
The Perspective of Rich and Poor
9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.
Loving God Under Trials
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin [lawlessness – 1 John 3:4]; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
Qualities Needed in Trials
19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Doers—Not Hearers Only
21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
Lessons
What valuable lessons do you believe God is trying to teach you through your trials? Write them down on a sheet of paper or in your journal. Share them with a few people to encourage and edify them (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4; 1 Thessalonians 5:11). Let God develop His character (the “Fruit of the Spirit”) through you so others can learn more about your God. This is a way for believers to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Help
We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”
With each day that passes, we are one day closer to seeing one of Christ’s promises to His disciples being fulfilled. It should give every true Christian zest for living and cause us to live pure lives and anticipate His giving to some of us, who have earned it, the “Crown of Righteousness” (1 John 3:2; 2 Timothy 4:8).
Our salvation cost Jesus Christ His life, but it is freely offered to believers. But crowns, rewards, and praise are earned. If you’re a Christian, will you receive this and other crowns from Him? What will you do with them? (See Revelation 4:10, 11). [1]
This event was a mystery in the Old Testament but unveiled to believers during Christ’s earthly ministry just before He went to the cross to die for our sins…and rise again bodily from the dead on the third day (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 51, 52; Romans 16:25, 26).
His disciples were anxiously waiting for Him to set up the “Kingdom of the Heavens” where He would be the King and they would rule with Him (Daniel 2:44, 45; Matthew 3:2; 4:17; 20:21; Luke 19:15-19). [2]
But because the majority of the Jews rejected Him as their promised Messiah, and His claim to be God (John 5:16-18;10:30, 31), Jesus postponed the setting up of His Kingdom on/over the earth and told His disciples that He was going go to the cross and die for the sins of the whole world – both Jews and non-Jews, and then rise again bodily from the dead (Psalm 16:10; Luke 24:46). God is NOT finished with the Jewish nation (Romans 11). The Church has NOT replaced Israel. [3]
The Apostle Peter opposed and rebuked the Lord for talking about dying. In return, the Lord rebuked the devil for using Peter to try to thwart God’s plan for the salvation of mankind (Matthew 16:20-23; John 3:16).
This is the background to the words that Jesus said to His disciples on the night He was betrayed by one of His own disciples, Judas. Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions [dwelling places]; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you [i.e. one place for all of you]. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3). We understand that this place is described for us in Revelation 21:9 ff. [4]
These words of Jesus were spoken over 2,000 years ago and they cause many scoffers today to deny His promise to come again (2 Peter 3:3). Why the delay? Simply because not all whom God the Father has given to God the Son (Jesus) have come to Him and been saved through the proclamation of the Gospel (John 6:37; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). These saved people make up the “Body of Christ” which becomes His Bride (Ephesians 5:32, 33; Revelation 22:17). Are you sharing the clear Gospel with lost people?
“What kind of Christian do you need to be to lead someone to Jesus Christ? You don’t need to be a brilliant person with a clever mind, but a broken person with a clear message.” – Evangelist Dr. R. Larry Moyer.
If you’re rightly related to Christ, with your known sins confessed to God (Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18; 1 John 1:9), and not a carnal Christian, we encourage you to memorize and share this message with lost people: “Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the dead. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, and you will be saved. Do it now.” (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Acts 15:31; Ephesians 2:8, 9). [5]
Sadly, most people won’t put their faith and trust in Christ alone to be saved. They love darkness rather than light and the passing pleasures of sin (John 3:19; Hebrews 11:25). Some people think Christ’s death wasn’t necessary because they aren’t that bad. Others think He didn’t do enough and so they try to add their good works to His. (See Romans 3:10-23; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Isaiah 64:6) Does this describe you?
The True Church – the spiritual “Body of Christ” is made up of true believers from the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) until the “Rapture” of the true Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). The “Rapture” is not to be confused with the “Second Coming of Christ” which happens after the “Seven Years of the Tribulation” (Daniel 9:27). Don’t confuse Israel with the Church (1 Corinthians 10:32). [6]
We believe that the true Church (not the apostate church) will be removed from the earth just before this “Seven Year Tribulation” period begins (Revelation 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9). This doesn’t mean that the true church won’t suffer persecution before Christ returns for His Church. “…all [Christians] who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
Some people, who claim to be Christians, believe that Christ arose in spirit only, not bodily (2 John 1:7). But the Apostle Paul insisted that the bodily resurrection of Christ be included in the Gospel message. For this he suffered and was put in chains (2 Timothy 2:8-10). Are you leaving out the bodily resurrection from your Gospel presentations to the lost? If so, start including it.
The Gospel is the power of God unto a person’s salvation (Romans 1:16). A dead person can’t help anyone. Christ’s resurrection guarantees other resurrections. Do you know in which one you will participate if you die? [7] Some Christians won’t die (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52).
Scripture tells us that Christ’s resurrected, glorified body had flesh and bones, but no blood. It was/is capable of eating food, though not necessary to survive (Luke 24:36-43). Christians will receive a body like His resurrected, glorified body when we see Him face to face at the Rapture (1 John 3:2). It will include a garment of light similar to His (1 Timothy 6:16). What about intermediate bodies? [8]
“The Pre-tribuation Rapture of the True Church” is the result of a normal, historical, grammatical, contextual interpretation of the Bible, in contrast to the allegorical method of interpretation which allows one to interpret the Bible as he pleases. The devil and false teachers use the allegorical method of interpretation (particularly with Bible prophecy) to deceive and mislead people (Genesis 3:1-5; 2 Peter 3:16). You won’t want to spend eternity with them in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; 2 Peter 2:17; Jude 1:13).
While there are no “sign miracles” that precede the Rapture of the true Church, there seems to be many indicators (world events) that point to this imminent event. The devil’s counterfeitone worldgovernment, religion, and economic system, which seems to be in the making, will precede Christ’s rule over the earth for 1,000 years just as the Bible predicted. [9]
My friend, if you aren’t sure of your eternal destiny, and would like additional information, please contact us. If you’re a carnal Christian (1 Corinthians 3:1 ff; Galatians 5:19-21), you can get right with God by confessing your known sins to God and then claiming His forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Then go on to spiritual maturity for the glory of God and the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 6:10).
We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18).
We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree For the Lord he wanted to see. And when the Savior passed that way He looked up in the tree. And said, ‘Zacchaeus, you come down! For I’m going to your house today!
For I’m going to your house today!’”
Luke Chapter 19:1-10
Perhaps you sang this chorus when you were a small child in Sunday School. But you probably didn’t know that he was a despised Jewish tax collector whom the other Jews hated. He worked for the Roman government and often extracted from his own people much more than he was supposed to collect. Thus he became very rich.
(BTW – There are some Jewish people like Zacchaeus who are doing the same kind of thing in our day to their own Jewish people and to others.)
But don’t hate such people; pity them. They too can be savedfrom hell just as Zacchaeus was. We should never wish that awful place on anyone, no matter how bad they’ve been, or say “God d— you.” Where would you and I be today apart from the grace of God? It’s truly amazing.
Have you ever wondered what kind of people might be your neighbors in heaven, if you go there? To find out, click below. Which of these characteristics describe you? [1]
Jesus wept over the Jewish folks in Jerusalem who had rejected Him (Matthew 23:37-39). If you’ve been saved by God’s grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, do you ever weep over lost people as the Apostle did (Romans 9:1-3)?
Blind songwriter, Fanny Crosby wrote, “Rescue the perishing, Care for the dying, Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave, Weep o’er the erring one, Lift up the fallen, Tell them of Jesus the mighty to save.”
Although he probably wasn’t as rich as Zacchaeus was, Matthew (one of Christ’s 12 disciples) was also a converted Jewish tax collector (Matthew 9:9; 10:3). He wrote the first Gospel presenting Jesus Christ as the true Messiah and the rightful King of the Jews.
During the early part of His 3 ½ year ministry on earth, Jesus’ concern was for His own people, the Jews (Matthew 15:21-28). He said to His disciples, “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles [non-Jews], and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:5, 6). Note an exception Jesus made (John 4:1-42).
But after most of the Jewish people had rejected Him (John 1:11, 12) as their promised Messiah, He temporarily changed His focus from that of being their Messiah to His offering of Himself as the Savior of the whole world Who would go to die on a cross for the sins of all mankind (Matthew 16:20 ff; See John 3:16; 1 John 2:2; 4:10). Sadly, most people won’t come to Him and be saved because they lovedarkness rather than light (John 3:19). What about you?
After His death and resurrection, and just before He ascended back to heaven from where He had come, Jesus told His disciples that they were to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). They were witnesses of His death for our sins…and His bodily resurrection (Acts 1:22; 4:2, 33; 24:15, 21; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8). Without His bodily resurrection, we’d be hopeless and most miserable (1 Corinthians 15:17-19).
BTW – Merely knowing and agreeing with the facts of the Gospel won’t save us (James 2:19). We must transfer our faith and trustfrom ourselves and our good works over to Christ alone if we are to be saved (Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). Have you done this yet? If not, why not now?
Some years after the church began on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), a council meeting was held in Jerusalem. James, Christ’s half-brother said, “Simon [Peter] has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles (non-Jews) to take out of them a people for His name” (Acts 15:14). The non-Jews were/are also those whom God the Father loved, and the ones for whom Christ died and rose again so they could be saved from everlasting condemnation in the lake of fire (John 3:16, 18, 36; Matthew 25:41, 46).
Today God is creating from Jewish and non-Jewish believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, one new man known as “The Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:15). Jesus Christ is the Head of this new creation and true Christians make up the spiritual “Body of Christ” (Ephesians 1:22, 23; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13).
The Jewish people must be saved the same way non-Jewish people are saved and acknowledge the full Deity of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16, 17; 10:9; Colossians 2:9). This is a problem for most of the Jews and those in some of the cults and other religions.
Once saved, Jewish believers become one “in Christ” with non-Jewish believers (1 Corinthians 12:12, 13; Ephesians 4:1-6). In God’s mind, there are no distinctions between these two groups (Galatians 3:26-29; 1 Corinthians 10:32).
The Apostle Paul, a converted Jew, wrote, “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that [spiritual] blindness in part has happened to Israel [the Jewish people as a whole] until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in” (Romans 11:25).
This means that after all the non-Jews, whom God the Father has given to God the Son, have come to Him and been saved (John 6:37) during this era of the Church (i.e. the “Dispensation of Grace”), Christ will return for “His Body, the true Church” and make it His “Bride” (Ephesians 5: 32; Revelation 21:9 ff; 22:17). This will take place at the time of the “Rapture” when true Christians will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Then our works will be judged / evaluated to determine which ones can berewarded and which won’t be rewarded (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). At this same time, our future roles and service in heaven and our enjoyment of it will be determined, depending on the type of works we did while we were here on earth (1 Corinthians 4:5).
Once the true Church has been taken up to heaven, God’s “time clock” with the Jewish nation will resume (Romans 9-11). God is NOT finished with the Jewish nation. We do NOT believe in “Replacement Theology” that falsely teaches that the Church has replaced Israel and can claim the promises that were given to the Jews? [3] (Read Genesis 12:1-3 about the blessings and curses that come on those who treat or mistreat the Jews. See also Deuteronomy 28.)
Sadly, many churches in “Christendom” believe this heresy which will result in the worst holocaust in human history during the last half of the Tribulation (3 ½ years). It is known as “The Time of Jacob’s / Israel’s Trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).
With the increase of anti-semitism (i.e. hatred for the Jews, particularly among the other nations in the United Nations), this event seems to be “just around the corner.”
After going through this seven yearholocaust (Daniel 9:27; Jeremiah 30:7), God will rescue a remnant (1/3) of the Jewish people (Isaiah 10:20-22; Zechariah 13:8, 9). Note: During this 7 year period over ½ of the world’s population will die (Revelation 6:8; 9:15). Some of the current, anti-God globalists want to reduce the population of the earth down to 500 million. That’s about a 95% reduction of the current world population. [3]
The Jewish remnant will be the ones who finally acknowledge that Jesus, whom their forefathers had rejected, was/is indeed their Promised Messiah (Matthew 23:37-39; Luke 19:14). [4] He will return as the “King of kings, and Lord of lords” and crush all His enemies with a sharp sword and a rod of iron (Psalm 2:9; Revelation 19:16).
He will come to rescue the believing Jews in “the nick of time” as the nations of the world gather at Armageddon to try to annihilate the Jews once and for all (Matthew 24:29 ff; Revelation 16:16; 19:11-21). God will not let this happen to the Jews. The devil would like to annihilate them so God can’t fulfill His unconditional promises to them. (See Revelation 12:15-17).
Then God will make the Jewish believers the head nation over the non-Jewish nations during Christ’s millennial (1,000) reign on/over the whole earth (Revelation 20:1-8), as foretold by the Jewish prophets (Deuteronomy 28:13; Daniel 2:44, 45; Isaiah 9:6, 7). Resurrected King David will be ruler on the earth under Christ and His Bride, the true Church (Jeremiah 30:9). Finally there will be true peace on earth (Isaiah 2:4; 9:6, 7).
It seems like we are approaching the end of this era, known as the “Dispensation of Grace” (Ephesians 3:1-7). [5] There are at least 1,007 years left before God wipes out this present universe that has been polluted by sin. Then He will create new heavens and a new earth where righteousness will finally settle down and feel at home (Revelation 21:1 ff; Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:10-13).
Where will you spend eternity – with God in heaven or in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels/demons (John 14:1-3; Matthew 25:41, 46)? Now, while you’re physically alive, is the only time you have to make your decision to believe or not believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior (2 Corinthians 6:2; John 3:16, 18, 36).
To learn more about God’s timeline for humanity, and where we are today, we invite you to get our FREE “Bible Study Book Marker” [5] on our website: www.kelseypeach.com
Having completed “fourscore” years on this earth, I believe that my days may be very limited. I want to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31) by making Him known to others who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16-4:8; 2 Peter 3:18).
Contact us here or through our website if you have questions and/or comments.
To receivefuture articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” If this information has helped you, please let us know, and then SHARE it with others who may need help and/or comfort from God’s Word (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4).
While the devil and his agents (the wicked men of this world – Ephesians 2:2; John 8:44) plot and scheme in an attempt to overthrow God and try to bring in “world peace” without the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), God laughs at them and holds them in derision (Psalm 2). Consider what some of these rebels are doing and saying. [1]
Believers. “Fret not because of evil doers…They will be cut down soon…” (Psalm 37:1, 2). God is omnipotent, and no one can overthrow Him (Revelation 1:8). We are in God’s good hands (John 10:28, 29). Nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38, 39). But God wants us to “Be sober, be vigilant; because [our] adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peer 5:8).
Warning – Non-Christians. If you’re not a Christian, you should be very concerned about what is happening in the world today. Don’t let the devil lull you into spiritual sleep (1 John 5:19). You need to get out of Satan’s kingdom of darkness now and into God’s family (Colossians 1:13) by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).
Tribulation. It seems that, in the very near future, as the Bible has predicted, God is going to let the wicked have their way for seven years (Daniel 9:27) to demonstrate, once and for all, that they cannot bring in “world peace” without Him (John 15:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:3; Revelation 6:1 ff). If God were to allow them to have more than seven years, no flesh on earth would survive (Mathew 24:22).
Depopulation. During this time of “Tribulation” (Revelation 6-19) over ½ of the world’s population will die (Revelation 6:8; 9:18) from 21 judgments and plagues. But God will not allow the devil or evil men to totally annihilate humanity from this planet that is in revolt against Him and His Christ (Mark 14:13-20; John 18:40). In the end, God wins, not Satan (Revelation 20:10).
Globalists. There are Globalists who would like to reduce the population of the world from about 8 billion people down to 500 million people. [2] Think about that for a moment. They consider many people to be nothing more than “useless eaters.” Some (maybe all) of them are eugenicists who have no qualms about murdering babies, handicapped people, or some older people through euthanasia. Question – Who made them God?
“Blood On Jewish Children?” When Jesus was on trial, Pilate, the Roman governor, became very frustrated with the wicked Jewish leaders and the people who hated Jesus and wanted Him crucified because He didn’t meet their expectations of the Messiah. They wanted a political deliverer, a “Welfare King” (John 6:15, 66), not a spiritual one. This is true even to this day.
Relentless. They were persistent in their demands. And so “When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all [against these Jewish people], but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, ‘I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.’ And all the people answered and said, ‘His blood beon us and on our children.’” (Mathew 27:24, 25). [3]
Sad Story. Is this one of the reasons why the Jews have been persecuted continually by other nations since then? The devil hates the Jews and doesn’t want God to fulfill His promises to them. Know this – God is NOT finished with the Jews (Romans 11:1 ff). Don’t curse them or face serious consequences (Genesis 12:1-3). Future prediction – “And this shall be the plague with which the LORD will strike all the people who fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, Their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, And their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths” (Zechariah 14:12).
Replaced? The Church has NOT replaced Israel. [4] There is a bright future awaiting Jewish believers who will cry out when Christ [their true Messiah], Who was rejected, returns to this earth to rescue them from total annihilation.
Armageddon.This will take place (perhaps in the very near future) when all the nations of the earth come against the Jews at a place called Armageddon, located in northern Israel (Zechariah 12:1-14; 14:1-9; Revelation 16:16). As Christ descends in a cloud of glory against a totally darkened sky (Matthew 24:29-31; Acts 1:9-11), they will cry out and say, “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed isHe who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Hosanna in the highest!” (Psalm 118:26; Matthew 23:39).
Christ’s Kingdom. When Christ (Messiah) returns to establish His 1,000 rule over the whole earth (Isaiah 9:6, 7; Revelation 20:1 ff), He will crush and defeat all the unbelieving rebels (Revelation 2:9, 27; 12:5; 19:15; Psalm 2:9). The Jewish and non-Jewish believers who physically survive this seven year “holocaust” will be the ones who will repopulate the earth (Matthew 24:13), just as Noah’s three sons and their wives repopulated the earth in which we now live (Genesis 9).
One Race. There is only “one race” – the “human race” (Acts 17:26). Don’t believe the lie of evolution. [5] There are many ethnic groups and languages that came into existence at “The Tower Of Babel” when God changed their one language into many languages (Genesis 10, 11; See Revelation 5:9; 13:7; 14:6). This is also the time when the continental shift began to take place (Genesis 10:25).
God Is Sovereign. He is in control of everything and nothing takes Him by surprise and nothing man does happens without His permission. His purpose is to glorify Himself by letting His creatures know that He is everything He says He is (John 17:1-5; Exodus 3:14). If you’re a Christian, are you glorifying Him in all that you do? (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Knowledge. You may know and believe many facts that are found in the Bible. You may even believe the facts of the Gospel that Christ died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day. But not until you transfer your faith and trust fromyourself and your good works over to Christalone to save you, are you actually saved from eternal condemnation (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Acts 16:31; Romans 8:1). Have you done this yet? If not, why not right now?
Help. We’re here to assist those who want to know the truth that’s found in God’s Word (John 17:17), and respond to it with faith and trust in Christ alone for their salvation. We also want to help believers who have a strong desire to grow spiritually (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18), to serve God and others with love (1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 13), and to reproduce themselves (Matthew 28:19, 20). If you fit into this category, and if have questions and/or comments about this article, or others we’ve written, we can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.
R.S.V.P. – Please let us know if this information helped you, and if it did, how will you let it affect your conduct? Also, please SHARE this with those in your circle of influence.
[1] Rebels – World Economic Forum – WEF (Read & Watch what they’re doing and saying.)
There is a lot of confusion in the minds of many people concerning “The Antichrist.” The Scriptures tell us that currently there are many antichrists in the world (1 John 2:18). They are opposed to Christ. Jesus said, “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many” (Matthew 24:5).
Before we consider some things about “The Antichrist – Man of Lawless” who is yet to come, let me say that we believe that the Scriptures should be interpreted normally (literally), historically, grammatically, and contextually rather than allegorically which changes the intended meaning of the author (See Ezra 8:7, 8; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 27; Titus 1:9).
Satan was the first one to use the allegorical method of interpretation when he told Eve that God really didn’t mean what he said (Genesis 3:1-5). Many religious leaders use this method of interpretation to make the Bible say what they want it to say, especially when it comes to Bible prophecy. Many of them tell people what they want to hear, rather than what they need to hear (2 Timothy 4:1-5). Beware of false teachers (2 Peter 2:1 ff; 2 Peter 2:1 ff; Jude 1:1-25).
We believe that we are very near the end of this “Dispensation of Grace” (often called by some “The Church Age”) which has lasted for about 2,000 years. [1] After the last Gentile person has been saved by believing in/on Christ through the Gospel (Romans 1:16, 17; 11:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4), and has become a part of the true Church (the spiritual “Body of Christ” – 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13), and has done some praiseworthy works (John 6:37; 1 Corinthians 4:5), the Lord will return for “His Church” and make us “His Bride” (John 14:1-3). Perhaps Today! If He came back today, would you be ready?
Before we get to the place (the heavenly New Jerusalem) that Jesus has been preparing for all true Christians (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:9 ff), He will judge our works (not us – Romans 5:1; 8:1) at the “Bema Seat Judgment” (somewhere between earth and the third heaven) to determine which works are praiseworthy and which aren’t. If we’ve earned them by our good works, He will give us crowns, rewards, and praise (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). BTW – Heaven is a gift,not a reward for good works. It is part of the “salvation package.” [3]
While there are no sign miracles that precede Christ’s imminent return at the Rapture, there seems to be many indicators that point in that direction. “Things aren’t falling apart; they are falling into place.”
The Rapture brings the “Dispensation of Grace” to an end. The seven year Tribulation doesn’t begin until the Antichrist (Man of Lawlessness) signs a seven year covenant (agreement) with the Jews to protect them (Daniel 9:27). Antisemitism is once again on the rise, and the apostate churches that believe the church has replaced Israel will be the primary persecutors of the Jews. [4]
We believe that the stage is being set today for the events that will take place during the seven years of the Tribulation (Daniel 9:27), which will include 21 judgments on the people who are left behind on the earth after the “Rapture (catching away) of the true Church.” [5]
Most Christians believe that the 10 Plagues that came on the Egyptians in Moses’ day were literal plagues (Exodus 7-11). There is no reason to allegorize the 21 judgments (7 seal judgments, 7 trumpet judgments, and 7 bowl judgments) mentioned in Revelation chapters 6-19.
After the Rapture of the true Church, but before the seven year Tribulation begins, three things need to happen: (1) The Jews must be in the land of Israel for the signing of a 7 year peace agreement (Daniel 9:27; Ezekiel 39:28), (2) the Ten Kings from the Revived Roman Empire must be in power (Revelation 17:13), and (3) the world wide harlot religion must be in place and have power (Revelation 17:3). [6]
Then the Antichrist (Man of Lawlessness) will be promoted by the 10 Kings (rulers) from the Revived Roman Empire (Daniel 2:33; 7:7, 8) and the Head Person of the harlot religion (Revelation 17:3, 7). He will have to share his power with them until the middle of the Tribulation. At that time he will be killed in a war with Russia and her allies (Ezekiel 38, 39).
But he will be brought back to life and then gain complete control over the whole world. He will require that everyone take his “mark of the beast” to buy or sell anything (Revelation 13:16-18). Some won’t take it. These people will have great difficulty surviving physically until the end of the Tribulation (Matthew 10:22). But those who take it are doomed forever. It’s an “unforgivable sin” (Revelation 14:9-11). We believe that the Antichrist will be a Gentile (non-Jew), who will be assisted by a Jewish false prophet (Revelation 13:1-18).
Are these two men alive today? They probably are, but we don’t know who they are. The Antichrist won’t be revealed to the world until afterthe Rapture of the true Church (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12) . We believe that all true Christians will be taken from the earth to heaven before the seven years of the Tribulation begin (1 Thessalonians 1:10; Revelation 3:10). We also believe that the Antichrist will be empowered and indwelt by the devil himself (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Revelation 13:1-10).
The Anti-christ and the false prophet will be cast into the lake of fire at the end of the seven year Tribulation, but the devil won’t be cast there until after Christ’s 1,000 year reign on earth (Revelation 19:20; 20:10). He will be confined in the Abyss (in the heart of the earth) during Christ’s reign on earth (Revelation 20:1-10). He won’t bother or tempt anyone on earth during this time.
We hope this information has been helpful to you. If you’re interested, we’ve have written many other articles on Bible prophecy and other topics that may be useful to you in your understanding of the Scriptures. [7]
But merely knowing and believing the facts of the Bible and the Gospel won’t save you from the lake of fire (Matthew 7:21-23; 25:41, 46). [2] If you haven’t yet placed your faith and trust in Christ alone, Who died for your sins, was buried, and Who rose again bodily on the third day, now is the time to do so. You have no guarantee that you will be alive by the end of today (James 4:14).
If this article has helped you, please SHARE it with others so they can be saved, or if they are saved, they can be comforted and encouraged by the Lord’s imminent return for His own (1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11).
We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change and grow spiritually (1 Timothy 2:15, 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). We can be reached at www.kelseypeach.com.
Perhaps you’ve seen pictures of them on a white horse, a red horse, a black horse, and a pale green horse. But maybe you don’t know what they represent. They are mentioned in the Book of Revelation chapter six and refer to four conditions that may take place in the very near future shortly after the “Man of sin” (Anti-Christ) signs a 7 year agreement with the Jewish people to ensure their peace and safety (Daniel 9:27). The Jews need and want this now more than ever.
Anti-Semitism. Once again hatred for the Jews is on the rise and, believe it or not, it will continue to get much worse. Today three major religions are struggling over the city of Jerusalem which is likened to a heavy stone for all peoples (Zechariah 12:3).
Armageddon. Eventually, at the end of the “Great Tribulation,” all the nations of the world will come against the Jews to a place in northern Israel called Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). But the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (their Messiah) will descend from heaven to deliver the believing Jewish remnant in the nick of time (Revelation 19:11-19; Zechariah 12:8-14; 14:1-15; Matthew 23:39).
Rapture. True, the word “rapture” isn’t found in the English translation of the Scriptures, but it accurately conveys the concept of being “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). This event has no “Biblical” signs that precede it. It can happen at any moment and it will fulfill Christ’s promise to His disciples and to all true believers of this “Dispensation of Grace” in which we now live (John 14:1-3; Ephesians 3:1-5). Remember, a thousand years to us is like a day to God (2 Peter 3:8).
The Order Of Coming Events.[1] After the Rapture (snatching away) of the true Church, but before the Anti-Christ and the Jews sign the seven year agreement, most Jews must be back in the land of Israel (Daniel 9:27). Something apparently happens after the Rapture of the true church to make the Jews in other countries want to return to the land of Israel that God promised to give to them in an unconditional covenant (Genesis 15:18). Ten kings (leaders) from the region of the Revived Roman Empire also must be in power (Revelation 17:12, 13), and the world wide harlot religion must be in it’s place and have power (Revelation 17:3) which they will give to the Anti-Christ (Man of Sin).
Judgments. There are three sets of seven judgments (21 judgments): 7 Seals, 7 Trumpets, and 7 Bowl judgments (Revelation 6-19). The “Seven Seal Judgments” will take place during the first half of the seven year tribulation and are designed for the Gentile (non-Jewish) nations (Revelation 6:1-16; 8:1). These judgments will not harm the Jews in Israel who have a signed agreement (covenant) with the Anti-Christ (Matthew 24:6).
White Horseman (First seal judgment). This represents the condition of false peace that will be made between the Anti-Christ and Israel (Daniel 9:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:3).
Red Horseman (Second seal judgment). This represents the war in which the Anti-Christ will depose three of the ten kings (rulers) who want their power back after they become disillusioned with him (Daniel 2:43; 7:8, 23ff). Perhaps he will use weapons of mass destruction to destroy these three kings and their countries.
Black Horseman (Third seal judgment). This represents the terrible famine that will follow in the wake of this war. It will engulf the non-Jews, but it will not affect the Jews living in the land of Israel. They will enjoy plenty of food while other people in the rest of the world are starving. This will be one of the reasons why Russia and her Arab allies will come down on Israel to take a spoil (Ezekiel 38:11 ff). They’re hungry.
Pale Horseman (Fourth seal judgment). This represents death when one fourth of the world’s population will die (Revelation 6:8). Later, during the sixth trumpet judgment, another one third of the world’s population will die (Revelation 9:15). This means that over ½ of the world’s population will die during this “Seven Year Tribulation.” (Consider the Globalists’ New World Order agenda.) [2]
Martyrs (Fifth seal judgment). Apparently these are Gentiles who become believers in the true and living God after the Rapture of the true Church. They will be martyred (killed) by the apostate church.
War (Sixth seal judgment). When Russia and her Arab allies come against Israel in the middle of the seven year tribulation to take a spoil, the Anti-Christ will come to Israel’s deliverance and fight against them and destroy them (Ezekiel 38, 39). [3] But during this battle, the Anti-Christ also will be killed but then be brought back to life and amaze the whole world (Revelation 13:3, 12, 14). Then he will demand that the Jews worship him as god. They will refuse to do this (Matthew 24:15-28). Since the Devil couldn’t get Jesus to worship him (Matthew 4:8-10), he will try to get God’s chosen people to worship his human representative on earth. But the Jews won’t fall down before him. Idol worship was something that the Jews had learned not to do while they were captives in Babylon for 70 years (Daniel 3:1-18).
Silence In Heaven (Seventh seal judgment). At the middle of the “Seven Year Tribulation” there will be silence in heaven for ½ hour because this will be the first time in human history that one man will have complete domination over the whole world like never before. He will demand that everyone worship him and take his mark (666) if he/she wants to buy, sell, or trade during the last 3 ½ years, known as the “Great Tribulation” and “The Time of Jacob’s (Israel’s) Trouble” (Revelation 13:17; Jeremiah 30:7; Matthew 24:15 ff). Those who take his mark are doomed. (No, the “Jab” is not the “Mark of the Beast.” – Revelation 13:11-18) [4]
Jews Persecuted. When the “Man of Sin” (Anti-Christ) breaks his agreement with the Jews, he will not allow them to continue to offer any more sacrifices in the rebuilt temple. The false prophet will have the Anti-Christ’s image put in the rebuilt Jewish temple, and the Jews will flee to Petra, which is also known as Sela (Isaiah 16:1; Revelation 12:13-17). Then God will miraculously protect the Jewish remnant (believers) for the rest of the seven years of tribulation. Two thirds of the Jews (the rebels) will be cut off and die during the second half of the Tribulation (Zechariah 13:8). Then the Jews will come to realize that God is once again dealing with them (Romans 11:25).
Two Witnesses. These two Jewish men will be in the city of Jerusalem for the last 3 ½ years of the Seven Year Tribulation and will have God’s power to devour their enemies (Revelation 11:3-12). The 144,000 Jews, from the twelve tribes of Israel, will evangelize the whole world with the “Gospel of the Kingdom” during the last half of the tribulation (Revelation 7:4-8; Matthew 24:14). It is not the same Gospel which one must believe today to be saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-8).
The Great Tribulation. To the dismay of those living on the earth at this time, the last half of the tribulation will be far worse than the first half. The Trumpet and Bowl Judgments will devastate the whole earth. God hasn’t abandoned the Jews forever and He hasn’t replaced the Jews with the Church (Romans 11:1). [5] These are two separate and unique groups (1 Corinthians 10:32). God will fulfill all the unconditional promises that He made with the Jews. Otherwise Christians can’t be sure that He will fulfill His promises to us (Romans 15:4).
Look Up. You don’t need to be told that we are living in a very troubled world today. Jesus said, “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:25-28).
Questions. Where will you be when all these things happen? Are you sure? Where will you spend eternity? Have you placed your faith exclusively in the Lord Jesus Christ who died for your sins and rose again? If not, why not trust Him right now before it’s too late? [6]
The Crown Of Righteousness. Christians who love the Lord’s imminent return for us will be more likely to live God honoring, righteous lives and earn this crown (2 Timothy 4:8). So, keep looking up. Perhaps Today!
Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change and grow (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). If you have questions or would like additional help, contact us here or visit our website at www.kelseypeach.com. Please SHARE this with others.
There are “church goers” who have no problem believing that the devastating ten plagues that came on Pharaoh and the Egyptians in Moses’ day were literal judgments that actually occurred. But somehow when it comes to the similar 21 judgments (7 seals, 7 trumpets, and 7 bowls) mentioned in the Book of Revelation, they have difficulty believing that they will be fulfilled literally. These same “church goers” also believe that the prophecies about Christ’s first coming were fulfilled literally, but when it comes to His second coming, they somehow don’t think they should be taken literally. What about you? What is your understanding of “Things To Come”?
Allegorical. So, instead of using the normal (literal, historical, grammatical) method of interpreting the Scriptures, they use the allegorical method and change the meaning of the words to suit they own preconceived ideas. This allegorical method of interpretation didn’t begin with men like Augustine, but goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden when Satan, through the serpent, questioned Eve by saying, “Has God indeed said…” (Genesis 3:1-6; See Revelation 12:9; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:14)? Is that what He really meant? He wanted her to doubt God. Does this happen to you too?
Seal Judgments. We believe that the “Seven Seal Judgments” will take place during the first half of the “Seven Years of the Tribulation” (Revelation 6:1- 8:1) and will affect all the people of the earth. But the Jews will be protected in Israel by the “Man of Sin / The Anti-Christ” who will have made a seven year covenant (peace agreement) with them (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:6). It is Satan’s desire to thwart God’s plan of salvation for the Jews and for the whole world by claiming that his agent (Anti-Christ) is their true Messiah and political Deliverer, rather than the Jesus who came to earth 2,000 years ago to save them from their sin (John 1:29) and then to establish His Kingdom of the Heavens over the earth (Matthew 4:17; 10:1 ff; Daniel 2:44, 45; Revelation 20:1-7). Because a majority of the Jews rejected Him as their Messiah, He postponed the setting up of His kingdom until a later date (Matthew 16:20; 23:37-39).
Death/Life. It is our understanding of the Scriptures that when Russia and the Arabic/Muslim nations come down on Israel to take a prey (Ezekiel 38, 39), during the middle of the Tribulation, the Anti-Christ, who will come to Israel’s defense, will be killed in that battle. But he will be brought back to life by a demon spirit and then claim that he is the true Jewish Messiah and God (Revelation 13:3, 4; 2 Thessalonians 2:4). Perhaps the Jews will be deceived momentarily, but when the Anti-Christ insists that they worship his image that will be set up in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem (Revelation 13:15; Matthew 24:15), the Jews will recognize that He isn’t their true Messiah. They learned in Babylon, long ago, not to worship idols and images (Exodus 20:4, 5). Question: Does the “church” you attend have idols and images for you to worship or to use as aids to worship? Why do these people usually omit the second commandment and divide the tenth commandment?
Silence. The “Seventh Seal Judgment” involves silence in heaven for 30 minutes (Revelation 8:1). We believe that this happens right at the middle of the seven year Tribulation that may be just around the corner. For the first time in all of human history one man will have gained complete, universal domination over the whole world like never before. He will be empowered by Satan himself (Revelation 13:2). During the first half of the Tribulation, the Anti-Christ will have to share his power with the other “Ten Kings of the Revived Roman Empire” (Revelation 17:13; Daniel 7:8). But Satan finally will have his counterfeit Christ ruling over the whole world by himself.
Mark Of The Beast. To buy and/or to sell anything, the people on earth will have to take the “mark of the Beast” upon themselves (Revelation 13:16-18). Those who refuse to take it will have a difficult time surviving until the end of the Tribulation and entering Christ’s millennial Kingdom (Matthew 24:13; 25:34). Thankfully the New World Order of the devil, the Anti-Christ, and the False Prophet will only last 7 years. If God were to let it go on any longer, no flesh would survive on earth (Matthew 24:22). As is, over ½ of the world’s population will die during this 7 year period (Revelation 6:8; 9:15). At the present time the world’s population is about 7 billion people. This would mean that about 3 ½ billion people will die.
My Brethren. Some of the Gentiles (i.e. non-Jewish people) who refuse to take the “mark of the Beast” will encounter “Christ’s brethren” (some of the 144,000 Jewish evangelists – Revelation 7:4-8; Matthew 25:34-40) during the Tribulation and believe “the Gospel of Christ’s coming Kingdom” (Matthew 4:17; 24:14). They will give the true “Jehovah’s Witnesses” what little food or water they have to keep them alive until the end of the Tribulation when Christ returns the second time with power and great glory (Matthew 24:30). These are the people to whom Jesus will say on Judgment Day, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of these the least My brethren (the 144,000 Jews), you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40).
Salvation. They weren’t saved by their good works but by their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that was displayed to other human beings by their good works (See Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:18-20). “Be sober, be vigilant…” (1 Peter 5:8)! Don’t be deceived by the “Social Justice Gospel” that is being promoted today in many “churches” by false teachers (2 Corinthians 11:3, 4, 11-15; See 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Revelation 22:18, 19). “Christian Communism” is not taught in the Scriptures. It is a “twisted false teaching” (2 Peter 3:16) that will help bring in the One World Government and the Apostate Church (Revelation 17, 18).
Petra. In keeping with God’s prophetic word, the Jews will flee to Sela/Petra in Jordan for refuge when they see or learn about the image of the beast that will be set up at the middle of the Tribulation in the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem (Matthew 24:15 ff; Isaiah 16:1). As they flee, Satan will try to destroy them by sending a flood after them but God will intervene and open up the ground and swallow up the flood (Revelation 12:15, 16). For the next 3 ½ years God will miraculously provide for them just as He did for the Jews in the wilderness before they got to the “Promised Land” (Genesis 15:18-21) after being enslaved in Egypt for 400 years (Genesis 15:13; Acts 7:6). During this time, the rebellious Jews will be “weeded out” and die (Zechariah 13:8). But the remnant that survives physically to the end of the seven years of the Tribulation will be those who will cry out and welcome their true Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, when He delivers them from all the armies of the earth who will have come to a place called “Armageddon” in an attempt to annihilate the Jews once and for all (Revelation 16:16; 19:11-16). Question: Are you or is the church you attend “anti-semitic”?
Nick Of Time. As the Jews are facing their darkest moment in human history, their true Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, whom they rejected 2,000 years earlier, and whom they had killed by the Romans, will suddenly come to their rescue and destroy all their enemies (Psalm 2:8, 9; Revelation 19:15). Their gruesome death, in which their skin will fall off their bodies, is described for us in Zechariah 14:12-15. At that time the Jewish remnant will cry out and say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” (Matthew 21:9; 23:39; See Zechariah 12:10). These surviving, believing Jews and the Gentile believers will repopulate the millennial Kingdom of Christ (Zechariah 8:5). The Old Testament Jewish believers who died physically will be resurrected 75 days after the Tribulation (Daniel 12:12) to live on the earth (Matthew 5:5). Some of them will rule under Christ and the True Church (Isaiah 1:26; Luke 19:17-19). King David will be raised from the dead at this time and will be the regent on earth under Christ, who will be the King of kings, and Lord of lords (Jeremiah 30:9; See Revelation 19:16).
Imminent. The return of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Rapture is imminent (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). “Perhaps today!” It will be for the “True Church” (not the apostate, harlot church – Revelation 17, 18) that will become the “Bride of Christ” (Ephesians 5:32; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13). Thank God, this event will take place before the “Seven Year Tribulation” (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9; Revelation 3:10). The Church is not to be confused with Israel (See 1 Corinthians 10:32; Romans 11:1 ff). The Church has not replaced Israel (“Replacement Theology” [1]). This false teaching is being taught in many “churches” today. They are involved in B.D.S. – Boycotting, Divesting, and Sanctioning Israel (See Genesis 12:1-3). This mindset will contribute toward the final persecution (holocaust) of the Jews. Ours may well be the exceptional generation of Christians who will not die physically (See Hebrews 9:27; Genesis 5:24; 2 Kings 2:1, 11; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52).
Decision. Knowing and believing the facts of the Gospel alone can’t/won’t save you from having to spend eternity with the devil and his angels/demons in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41, 46). We must transfer our faith from ourselves and our good works over to the Lord Jesus Christ alone, whodied for our sins…and rose again bodily from the dead on the third day (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Ephesians 2:8, 9). Have you done this yet? If not, why not do it right now? Tomorrow may be too late (Proverbs 27:1; James 4:14; 2 Corinthians 6:2).
Baptism. To let other people know that we have placed our faith in Christ alone to save us, God wants us to inform them about our decision by our being baptized/immersed (Acts 8:36-38). It identifies us with His death, burial, and resurrection (See Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 2:20). It is NOT a part of our salvation, but it displays our obedience to God (Matthew 28:19, 20). It also enables us to have a good conscience before God (1 Peter 3:21).
Help. If you are not sure of your salvation, or need additional help, we’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” Join us on Facebook and Youtube and SHARE this with others. Let us know if you’d like a FREE chart of “Things To Come.”
When it comes to “How To Live The Christian Life,” many new Christians (and some older ones) are confused. They are told to Read their Bibles – let God talk to you,Pray – you talk to God, and Witness for God. Many of them don’t know that while all the Bible is for us, not all of it is addressed to us (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Titus 1:9). They aren’t aware that there are eight ways to communicate with God, not just “asking and receiving.” [1]When trying to witness to others, many Christians confuse “The Message & The Method” of salvation. [2]
Equippers. Upon His ascension back to heaven, Christ gave to the Church Evangelists and Pastor-teachers (Ephesians 4:8-16). They are responsible to equip the believers in their care so all of them are equipped to do their work of ministry primarily through the use of their spiritual gifts (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12-14). They need to be taught “How To Live The Christian Life.” We must not confuse the condition for salvation with the multiple conditions for spiritual growth as one commentator does in James 4:7-10. He writes: “In a series of 10 commands (10 imperative verbs in the [Greek] text), James reveals how to receive saving grace. These verses delineate man’s response to God’s gracious offer of salvation, and disclose what it means to be humble.” – The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV, p. 1932. No, these verses are not telling a sinner how to be saved. They were written to Christians to tell us how to live once we have been saved. The word “Brethren” refers to Christians, not the unsaved (See James 1:2, 16, 19; 2:1, 5; 3:1, 10, 12; 4:11; 5:7, 9, 10, 12, 19). Beware of the false teaching of “Lordship In Exchange For Salvation” [3]
Salvation. Mankind has always been saved by God’s grace through faith in God and not by good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5; Isaiah 64:6). Today, the Gospel truth we must believe in order to be saved is that Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the dead on the third day (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). It is the same message for Jews and non-Jews (Romans 1:16; 10:9). Have you placed your faith in Him alone to save you? Are you relying on any of your good works to save you? Why should God let you into heaven? Is there anything you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation? If so, what?
Dispensations. Throughout man’s existence on earth, God has given different rules for living to different people. They are the “House Rules.” It’s not too hard to see that the rules given to the Old Testament Jews are different from the rules given to Christians. Examples: Dietary rules, Sabbath keeping, animal sacrifices, etc. All these different rules were designed by God totest people’s obedience to God and to demonstrate to us that no matter what kind of rules God imposes on mankind, we always fail when we depend on ourselves to keep God’s rules for living. Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). On the other hand, “[Every true Christian] can do all things [that God intended for us to do] through Christ who strengthens us” (Philippians 4:13; See Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10). Question – If you’re saved, are you doing your good works for the glory of God and the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 5:13; 6:10)? God, being omniscient, knows what we do and why we do it and will judge our works someday (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Note: Dispensations are not different ways to be saved but different rules for living. They are the result of a normal, literal, historical, grammatical interpretation of the Bible, not the allegorical interpretation that twists Scripture (2 Peter 3:16; See Genesis 3:1).
Rules. The Christian’s “Rules For Living” in the “Dispensation of Grace” can generally be found between John 13 – Revelation 3 after which the true Church is found in heaven. In John 13:34, 35 Jesus gave His disciples a New Commandment “…that you love one another as I [Jesus] have loved you.” This is a positive command and this kind of “agape” love is produced by God the Holy Spirit in the life of a “Spirit filled” Christian who is “walking by means of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16-25). This “agape” love also stands in contrast to the Old Commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). Under the “Dispensation of Law” this was the best an Old Testament believer could do. The “Ten Commandments” were basically negative prohibitions (Exodus 20:1-17). Even before God had given them to the Jews they boastfully said, “All that the LORD has spoken, we will do” (Exodus 19:8). But they didn’t. Their obedience to the Mosaic Law would have brought to them health, wealth, and happiness. But their disobedience brought on them the curses from God that the Jews are experiencing to this very day (See Deuteronomy 28; Malachi 3:8-12).
Replaced? The Church has not replaced Israel. God is not finished with the Jews as a nation. He will keep all His unconditional covenants (promises) that He gave to them (See Romans 11). They will get all the land that God promised to give to them when Christ returns at His Second Coming, not the Rapture (Genesis 15:18-21). The future of the remnant of believing Jews is as bright at the promises of God that were given to them. (See Isaiah 2:4; 9:6, 7; 11:1 ff; 35:1 ff; Jeremiah 30:9; Zechariah 14.) God’s time clock with the Jews will start up again after the fullness of the Gentile believers have come in and been saved (Romans 11:25; John 6:37) and the man of sin (Antichrist) signs a seven year covenant with the Jews (Daniel 9:27). The last 3 ½ years of the Tribulation are known as the “time of Jacob’s [Israel’s] trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7) and the “Great Tribulation” (Matthew 24:15 ff). These days may be just around the corner. Where will you be when they occur?
Check Up. To see how well you are doing as a New Testament Grace believer, we invite you to refer to our “Understanding The Times Dispensations Chart” on our website. We’ve listed some of our Responsibilities, the Failure of most Christians, and the Judgment of our works at the “Bema Seat Judgment” (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Use it as a guide for doctrine,reproof, correction, or instructing you in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). Don’t lose out on the crowns, rewards, and praise that might have been yours if you had done what God wanted you to do in this life (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; Revelation 3:11). “…the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which hall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18; See 2 Timothy 2:8-10; 4:8; 2 Corinthians 11:23-33).
Help. We’re here to help those who are teachable and willing to change if necessary (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). We can be reached through out website: www.kelseypeach.com. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” If this article has helped you, we’d like to hear from you and ask you to share it with others who might benefit from it.
During World War II, General Douglas MacArthur had to leave the Philippines because of the Japanese threat. But he said, “I shall return.” Even though there was a possibility that something might go wrong, and he wouldn’t be able to return and rescue them, in God’s providence he did return and delivered them.
Promise.Before going to the cross to die for our sins…and rise again bodily from the dead on the third day, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God [the Father], believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; it if were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a [single] place for [all of] you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3).
Scoffers. Jesus said these words 2,000 years ago. The scoffers mock and say, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” But with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. He’s long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:3-9) What about you? Are you a true believer?
When Will Jesus Return?
Jesus said, “All that [God] the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37). Since no one, except God, knows when this number will be complete, true Christians are supposed to keep glorifying God (i. e. making Him known to others) and sharing the Gospel with lost people until He returns (See 1 Corinthians 10:31).
Blinded. The Apostle Paul tells us that the unsaved Jewish people currently have a judicial blindness over their spiritual eyes, so that they don’t see and believe in Jesus as the Promised Messiah (Romans 11:25). They, as a nation, rejected Him since He didn’t fulfill their political expectations. In order for anyone to be saved today, whether he’s Jewish or not, he/she must believe in/on the Lord [His deity] Jesus [true humanity] Christ Who died for all our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day” (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). When a Jew or a non-Jew gets saved today, they both lose their unique distinctions and become one spiritual body in Christ (Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:15). There shouldn’t be “Jewish Christian Churches” and “Gentile Christian Churches.”
God isn’t finished with the Jewish nation (See Romans 9-11). God has not replaced the Jews with the Church (Replacement Theology) [1]. Those who believe this heresy will contribute to the worst holocaust in history. Are you and/or is your church doing this? Are you or is it involved in B.D.S. (Boycott, Divest, Sanction) Israel? If so, read Genesis 12:1-3 very carefully!
Adolph Hitler. Are you aware of the fact that Adolph Hitler was inspired by the anti-Semitic writings of Martin Luther “The Jews And Their Lies”? When Luther couldn’t convert the Jews to Christianity, he turned against them with a vengeance. [2]
Covenants. Before the Jews get all that God has promised to give to them in the “unconditional covenants,” (Example: the Promised Land – Genesis 15:18-21), they must go through “the time of Jacob’s [Israel’s] trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). This will take place during last half of the upcoming “Seven Years Of Tribulation” that was predicted in the Old Testament (Daniel 9:27; See Matthew 24:15 ff; Revelation 12:13-17). This event seems to be right around the corner from where we are in time now (See our “Understanding The Times – Dispensation Chart” on our website).
How Will Jesus Return?
Confusion. Many people are confused today because they fail to realize that the “Rapture Of The Church” and the “Second Coming Of Christ” are two distinct events separated by seven years. One was a mystery during the Old Testament times (1 Corinthians 15:51, 5 2; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Romans 16:25, 26). The other event was well known (1 Thessalonians 5:2). [3]
Why Will Jesus Return?
Promises. God will keep all His unconditional covenants (promises) that He made with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants (Romans 15:4). If He doesn’t, then none of us as Christians can be assured that He will keep His promises to us either. But God cannot lie (Titus 1:2; John 14:6; 17:17).
Claim. When “all whom the Father has given to the Son, have come to Him” (John 6:37), God the Father will tell the God the Son to come back to claim His Bride, the True Church, and take us to the place that He has been preparing for all true Christians (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:9 ff). Are you sure that you you be included in this group? Or will you be “left behind” to enter the “Seven Years of the Tribulation”? If you do, you will have a 50/50 chance of surviving it (See Revelation 6:8; 9;15)
What Follows These Things?
To learn more about the coming events, see our “Understanding The Times – Dispensations Chart” on our website and read the corresponding article. (See Below.) [4]
Applications
Purpose. God doesn’t give us His Word just for our information, but for our transformation (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Romans 12:1, 2). He won’t leave true believers in the condition in which He found us. He takes sinners of all kinds and washes them, sanctifies them, and justifies them (See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). On our Wedding Day (Rapture) all true Christians will be presented to Him as a chaste virgin (2 Corinthians 11:2). The blood that Jesus shed on the cross (1 Peter 1:19), once and for all (Hebrews 10:10), to pay the debt we owed to God the Father (Romans 6:23), made it all possible for us to have Christ’s righteousness put to our account. Without it, we’d be condemned forever with the devil and his angels in the lake of fire (See John 16:8-11; Matthew 25:41, 46).
Help. We’re here to help you and others who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). We want you to make sure that you are saved and headed for heaven (1 John 5:13). We also want to help you grow spiritually (2 Peter 3:18), learn how to serve God by using your spiritual gift with love (Galatians 5:13; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Peter 4:10). Discover the joy of leading someone else to Christ and earning the “Crown of Rejoicing” (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20). We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” Send us your questions/comments and SHARE this with others who might benefit from it.
In your opinion, what’s wrong with the world today? Who is to blame? Is it the Russians, the Chinese, North Korea, ISIS or is it our own country (the United States) that is responsible for the problems in the world? Maybe you’d like to blame the Democrats or the Republicans or your parents, your teachers, the police, or someone or something else? Do you ever blame God? Why not the devil?
Most of us don’t want to take responsibility for our own bad decisions and the evil things that we do. We like to think that it’s someone else who is responsible for the evil, sorrow, hatred, and death in the world. I think that you will agree with me that we live in a very troubled world today. It’s not a “wonderful world.”
The Solution
For every problem, there is a solution. Now, let’s suppose that you were placed in charge of straightening out the problems of the world. What would you do? You probably haven’t given much thought to it. Or perhaps you have.
Would this popular song express your feelings? “If I ruled the world, / Every day would be the first day of spring, / Every heart would have a new song to sing, / And we’d sing of the joy every morning would bring. // If I ruled the world, / Every man would be as free as a bird, / Every voice would be a voice to be heard, / Take my word we would treasure each day that occurred…”. Writers: Cyril Ornadel, Leslie BricusseWhat obvious problems do you see with such sentiments?
Population. What would you do about the burgeoning population explosion? Would you promote the abortion of babies and the euthanasia of the elderly? Do you believe that abortion is murder? When does life begin (Psalm 51:5; 139:13-18)? Do you agree with the “social engineers” who say that the world’s population needs to be reduced down to about 500 million people? If so, how would you go about doing this and maintaining this level? (Read the Georgia Guidestones link below.)
Peace. How would you bring lasting peace to the earth? What was/is the purpose of the United Nations and how and why have they failed to establish peace on earth? What would you do to control and punish criminals who refused to abide by the rules? Who should make the rules for society? What if there were no rules and everyone did what is right in his own eyes? Discover for yourself what happened in the past when people lived this way. (See Judges 21:25; Genesis 6:5; 7:1-8:22)? What if someone thinks the rules are unjust? Would you like to be the one to determine what is right and wrong,acceptable and unacceptable behavior? Would the rules apply to everyone or just to those who are in the lower classes of society? Would you exempt yourself?
Government. What sort of government would you like to see in the New Word Order – Democracy, Constitutional Republic, Fascism, Socialism, Communism, etc? What do you believe is the best form of government? Why? How and who in the government would enforce the rules? What should be done with the criminals? Should capital punishment be abolished? If so, why? (See article below.) How would you go about to change the rebellious nature of man so he will comply with the rules of the New World Order? How would you keep people from being so self-centered and abusive of others?
Hatred. Why do many (perhaps most) of the Arabs (descendants of Ishmael), Edomites (descendants of Esau), and Muslims hate the Jews who descended from Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 16:1-12; 21:0-21; 25:31-34; 27:36, 41, 42)? How long has this hatred been going on (Genesis 16:12; 27:41)? When will it end (Isaiah 2:4; 11:16; 19:23; Revelation 20:7-10)? Who are the real “occupiers” of the land in Israel (Genesis 15:18-21)?
Expelled. Do the Jews have the rights to the land? Did they forfeit the unconditional promise that God gave to them when they rejected Christ as their Messiah (Genesis 15:18-21)? Is God done with the nation of Israel (Romans 11:1 ff)? Whom does God hold accountable for the death of Christ (Acts 2:22-24; 3:13-15; 4;24-28)? Has the Church replaced Israel? (Read article below.) Will the Jews in Jerusalem and in Israel be chased out of the land again (Matthew 24:15ff; Revelation 12:13-17)? If so, when? Will God preserve and protect the remnant during the last half of the seven years of the Tribulation (Romans 11:5; Revelation 12:14)? If so, where (Isaiah 16:1)?
144,000. What do the Scriptures tell us the 144,000 Jewish evangelists and the other two witnesses will do for 3 ½ yearsduring the last half of the Tribulation (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 7:4-8; 11:1-12)? What will happen to those who bless the Jews and those who oppress and curse them (Genesis 12:1-3)? Why are many liberal churches in America involved in the BDS movement? Why are they are boycotting, divesting, and trying to place sanctions on Israel? Is the church you attend involved in this? How will this lead to the greatest holocaust in human history known as “the time of Jacob’s [Israel’s] trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7)?
Borders. Should we abolish the borders and boundaries between nations that God determined (Acts 17:26; Daniel 4:17, 25)? Why did God change the languages of the people working on the tower of Babel and scatter them out (Genesis 9:1; 11:1-9)? When and how does God use nations for His purposes (Daniel 1:1, 2; 5:30, 31; Ezra 1:1-8)?
Superman. Why are so many politicians and others pushing to establish a New World Order and a One World Religion and economic system? Do you believe there may be a superman somewhere in the world right now who could straighten up the mess we’re in? Why does the devil always need to have such a man waiting in the wings (2 Thessalonians 2:7)? How might he use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to control the people of the world?
Religion. Many, perhaps most people are religious by nature. They believe that there is the possibility of life after death and that there is some kind of Deity who is behind everything even though most people know very little about Him. Why do so many “intelligent people” believe the theory of evolution that has been promoted in our educational systems (John 3:19; Romans 1:18-32)? Will the New World Order include a One World Church (Religion) under which people will be forced to live or die ? What will happen if they don’t go along with it (Revelation 6:9-11; 13:15)? Why do some people believe that the Roman Catholic Church will be the head of this organization (Revelation 17, 18)?
Economics. Why is there such a push for a cashless society. Is it to control the citizens of the world? Could this be accomplished by the use of special cards, or better yet, through the implantation of a chip in the hand or on some other place of the body (example: the forehead)? The Scriptures tell us that this will happen (Revelation 13:16-18). Are those who voluntarily take this mark doomed forever (Revelation 14:9-12)?
Date. Does the Bible predict that such things will happen in the future? Indeed it does. But when will they occur? The “Date Setters” have done a lot of damage by their false predictions. (See article below.) While we don’t know exactly when the “Rapture”will take place (John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:12-18), we are confident that it will occur once all those whom the Father has given to the Son have come to Him (John 6:37) and when “the fullness of the Gentiles has come in” and they have been saved (Romans 11:25). God cannot lie (Titus 1:2; John 14:6; 17:17). He will keep his unconditional promises to the Jews and to Christians. This is the basis of our hope – confident expectation (Romans 15:4). Do you know and claim God’s promises to you? (Ask us about them.)
Until Then. Every true Christian is instructed to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). This involves our spiritual growth (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18), our service to God and others (1 Peter 4:10; Galatians 5:13), andour sharing the Gospel with lost unbelievers (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19, 20). Our primary goal is/should be to glorify God by making Him known to others (1 Corinthians 10:31; See John 17:3). If you’re saved, are you doing this? If not, what needs to change? (See James 4:17).
Gospel. The Good News that leads to our salvation is that Christ died for our sins, was buried for three days and nights, and then raised bodily from the dead on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). When we place our faith in the Christ of the Scriptures alone (Acts 16:31), apart from any good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9), God saves us by His grace. Have you done this yet? If not, why not now?
Help. We’re here to assist you and others who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15). We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If you have been helped by this article, we’d like to hear from you and ask you to share this information with others. Press “Follow” if you’d like to receive future articles as they come out.
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