When your physical life is in danger, and you want to keep on living, you want to have the best qualified people to help you. We can/should be very thankful for those who are specialists in their fields and pray for them and others. Have you ever done this? Why should we do this? (Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4)
The Surgical Team
Recently my dear wife of 56 years underwent heart surgery. Naturally we both were very concerned about her having this procedure done. We met with some of the surgical team before the operation and asked many questions of the Doctors and his assistants. They carefully explained to us what would be done during this procedure and told us about how long it would take.
The chief surgeon was the age of our youngest son, Judd (42). But we both felt that he was fully qualified to perform this procedure and had a capable team to assist him.
As a “spiritual physician,” I also wanted to share the Gospel with each of them so they could have “eternal life” (God’s quality of life as a present possession – John 3:16.) I have a “Gospel tract” that I wrote about our son, Bill’s death in Japan at the age of 38. In it I share the Gospel of Christ’s death for our sins…and His bodily resurrection from the dead and the need for each of us to trust in Him alone for our salvation. [1] I was able to give this tract out to most of them. God’s Word doesn’t return to Him void. It will accomplish what pleases God, and it shall prosper in the thing for which He sent it (Isaiah 55:11; See Hebrews 4:12).
Just before my wife was to be taken in for the procedure, I asked if I could pray with him and the others who were with him in the room. I thanked God for an opportunity to trust Him and the Doctor along with his team of well qualified individuals. I also humbly asked God to give my wife and me “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding to guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4;6, 7). And God did this for my wife and me.
I don’t know about you, but having an omnipotent and gracious God who can do this for us is very comforting when your life could come to an end by something unexpected or by a slip of a Doctor’s hand. For us Christians there are no “accidents,” only “incidents.” Today Jesus holds “the keys of death” (Revelation 1:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14; See Hebrews 2:14). Nothing or no one can separate us believers from God’s love (Romans 8:35). Friend, are you safe and secure in God’s hands (John 10:28, 29)? You can be.
The Apostle Paul committed believers “… to [God] who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20, 21).
Although the recovery will take time, it gives us additional opportunities to trust God on a day by day basis. And not only that, but also on an hourly, and moment by moment basis to trust Him more.
‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus/ Just to take Him at His Word/ Just to rest upon His promise/ Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord”/ Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him/ How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er/ Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus/ Oh, for grace to trust Him more.” – Songwriters: Canzetta Staton, Louisa M. R. Stead [2]
If you don’t know our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, as your personal Savior, and don’t have assurance of your salvation (Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13), we’d be happy to assist you if you would like additional spiritual help.
Most people fail to realize the treasure they have if they own a Bible or have access to the Scriptures, which most of us do in this country. Sadly, many people around the world know little or nothing about the true and living God, and don’t have a Bible to read. Some people can’t read.
Within the 66 books of the Bible, that make up the Old and New Testaments, we have all that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3, 4). We don’t need to turn to the philosophies of sinful men to learn how to be saved or how to live a victorious Christian life (Colossians 2:8). God’s Word is “theocentric.” This means that it’s centered around God. By contrast, an anthropocentric life puts man at the center. “Unfortunately, living for the moment often leads to misery in the form of addiction, unwanted pregnancies, broken relationships, and other regrets. Living for humanistic, anthropocentric goals also has its problems—if the advancement of man is the highest good, ambitious leaders can justify almost anything to ensure the progress of humanity—even, ironically, genocide and ethnic cleansing.” [1]
The Scriptures teach us the truth about God (John 17:17), our sinful condition (Romans 3:10-23; Jeremiah 17:9), how to be saved from the lake of fire and enter into heaven to spend eternity with the One Who laid down His life to save us sinners (1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Acts 16:31). Such love should prompt us to live a life that pleases Him at all times (John 15:1-8; 2 Corinthians 5:9). Ten major themes include: The Bible, God, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, Man, Sin, Salvation, The Church, and Future Things. How familiar are you with these topics?
All Scripture is God breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, that the man / woman of God (a believer) may be complete / thoroughly equipped to do the work God pre-planned for us to do (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; See Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10). Question: If you’re saved, do you know what your spiritual gift is, and are you using it with love for the benefit of others (1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 5:13)? [2]
While all the Bible is for us, not all of it is addressed to us as New Testament believers. All the doctrines (teachings) of the Bible are to be believed, but not all of it is to be believed and practiced (Titus 1:9). God has given different rules for different people at different times known as “Dispensations – Rules for Living.” (They are NOT separate ways of salvation.) Three major ones are Law, Grace, and Kingdom. (See our Bible Study Book Marker with a Dispensations Chart on our website.) [3]
The devil[4] doesn’t want people to have access to the Scriptures and/or to read it. During the Middle Ages it was virtually inaccessible to the common man. But thanks to the printing press and the Protestant Reformation that began around A.D. 1500, mankind has had access to God’s Word in many languages of the world.
“Natural Revelation” (i.e., the things we can learn from nature) tells us that there is a God Who is powerful (Romans 1:20). But we need “Special Revelation” from God to learn other vital information including how we can be saved / delivered from everlasting condemnation to spend eternity with God.
God’s purpose is to glorify Himself (John 17:1-8). He wants to make Himself known to His creatures – human beings and spirit beings. His attributes include: goodness, righteousness, omnipotence, omniscience, truthfulness, holiness, and love. Man’s purpose is/should be to glorify God by making Him know to those around us (1 Corinthians 10:31). Question: What are others learning about God by your life and lip?
In the end every creature will acknowledge that Jesus Christ is LORD (i.e., that He is the God-man, Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the dead. See Philippians 2:11; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4.) He is the One in Whom our faith and trust must rest if we are to be saved. We are NOT saved by our good works, or by our faith PLUS our good works lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). The Scriptures do not teach the “universal salvation” of all men and fallen angels.
We’re here to assist those who would like to be assured of spending eternity in heaven with God rather than in hell with the devil and his angels/demons (1 John 5:13; Romans 8:16; Matthew 25:41, 46). We also want to help believers grow spiritually, serve God joyfully, and reproduce themselves (2 Peter 3:18; Matthew 28:19, 20).
We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”
“If you don’t know the date you were saved, then you’re not saved.” “When you miss an opportunity to share Christ with someone, it’s your fault if that person goes to hell.” “You shouldn’t keep company with sinners.” “If you want to be saved, just invite Jesus into your heart.” “Not true,” says veteran evangelist and teacher Dr. R. Larry Moyer in his book, “21 Things God Never Said.”[1]
Dr. Ron Shea wrote, “…before [an individual] is ever won to Christ, the gospel must first be proclaimed [clearly to him/her]. We believe that the greatest weakness in the church thwarting the fulfillment of the great commission is the prevalence of false gospels within the church that have perverted or distorted the true gospel of the Bible….If the gospel is unclear, it cannot point men toward the Savior. “For if the trumpet give an unclear sound, who shall prepare himself for battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:8). We seek not only to be accurate in our presentation of the gospel, but clear! If the lost cannot understand the message of the evangelist [or the believer who shares the gospel], how can he place his faith in the Savior?” [2] [3] Which Jesus saves? [4]
“Do We Really Know The Gospel” is the title of an excellent article that Dr. Manfred Kober wrote which shows us Christians how we can share the precise Gospel with a person who is very near death by using 24 words: “Friend: You have sinned. But Christ died for sinners and rose again. Trust Him alone and He will save you eternally. Do it now!” [5]
Sharing the Gospel with lost people, which can deliver them from everlasting suffering in the lake of fire and enable them to enter heaven, should be considered as a privilege, not a burdensome duty done out of guilt.
The “Crown of Rejoicing” awaits faithful believers who direct lost people to Christ for salvation (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20). The greatest joy in life comes to believers who lead unbelievers to Christ and then help them go on to spiritual maturity as they walk in truth (3 John 1:4).
We’re here to show unbelievers how to be saved, and to help prepare Christians so they can share the Gospel with lost people at a moments notice as God opens doors of opportunity for us (1 Peter 3:15).
Most of us know a lot more people than we realize. We may not know their names, but we are acquainted with some of them. God has brought these people into our lives for a reason. Many of them are struggling physically, financially, emotionally, and spiritually. They are people for whose sins Christ died and rose again so they can be saved from hell to heaven. Ask God to make you a blessing to someone today.
As Christians, our main purpose in life is / should be to glorify God by making Him known to others (1 Corinthians 10:31). We should desire the salvation of all mankind (1 Timothy 2:1-4), help new believers growspiritually (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18), encourage them to use their spiritual gift with love (1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 5:13). Then help them reproduce themselves (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8).
Think about what your life would be like if you went to a store to purchase something and the people who worked there didn’t show up for work to serve you? It has happened to us. It’s sad when people are paid more (by the government) not to work, than for them to work? Did you know that we can / should intercede for or against others, including our politicians (1 Timothy 2:1-4; Romans 11:2).
When I go to a store, I try to thank the people for their service, and share a “Gospel tract” with them if I can. (It’s usually the tract I wrote about “Our Son’s Death.”) Many of them identify with a loss of a loved one or a friend. I ask them to read it when they get home or are on their lunch break. The Gospel is the power of God unto people’s salvation (Romans 1:16). It’s the same message for Jews and non-Jews.
Here is a list of some of the people who serve us:
Mailman/UPS Driver – Paperboy/Editor – Physician/Nurse – Chiropractor – Optometrist – Pharmacist – Mortician/Funeral Director – Insurance Agent – Stock Broker – Barber/Beautician – Salesman/Clerk – Tax Advisor – Babysitter – President of PTA – Banker/Credit Manager – T.V. Repair Man – Plumber/Electrician – Heating/AC Man – Florist/Gardener – Painter/Welder – Pet Shop Owner – Real Estate Broker – Policeman/Fireman – Dry Cleaner – Auto Mechanic – Travel Agent – Pilot/Flight Attendant – Bus Driver – Piano Teacher – Carpenter – Lab Technician – Computer Programer – Chef/Waitress – Social Worker – Secretary/Librarian – Air Traffic Controller – Grocery Store Clerk – Others.
All of these people have an eternal destiny. Their lives and your life on earth could end today. Make every day count. Don’t boast about tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1; James 4;14).
If they are wearing a name tag say, “Thank you ________. I appreciate your service today.”
“Remember that a person’s name is to that person
the sweetest sound in any language.” – Dale Carnegie
Gospel Tracts – Make sure, if you use them, that they clearly present the Good News of Christ’s death for our sins...and His bodily resurrection from the dead. And make sure that it makes faith (believing in/on Christ alone) as the only condition for salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Acts 16:31).
What’s the difference between ignorance and apathy? Don’t know; don’t care. Think about that for a few moments. There are many things about which we know little or nothing. And even if we knew about them, we wouldn’t really care one way or another because we believe other things are far more important to us – the pebble in our shoe. But ignorance and indifference can harm or kill us. (Examples: electricity, gravity, chemicals, etc.)
It’s sad that many people, including children, are being stupefied with all kinds of legitimate and illegitimate drugs instead of with natural remedies that have fewer side effects. This problem will intensify during the upcoming seven years of “The Tribulation.” [1] (See Revelation 9:21; 18:23)
Many people are also mesmerized and lulled into spiritual sleep by the devil and are apathetic toward God and His Word (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19). Many are lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people [we’re to] turn away! (2 Timothy 3:2-5).
Maybe the apathetic person you meet has an irritating pebble in his shoe that keeps him distracted so that he rarely, if ever, thinks about God. Perhaps the devil put it there (2 Corinthians 12:7).
A. W. Tozer wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us…Worship is pure or base as the worshiper entertains high or low thoughts of God….For this reason the gravest question before the Church is always God Himself, and the most portentous [amazing or intriguing] fact about any man is not what he at a given time may say or do, but what he in his deep heart conceives God to be like.” – TheKnowledge of the Holy
Here are a few basic perspectives on the question of God’s existence. [2] Which one of these beliefs describes you the best?
Atheism, Agnosticism, Theism, and Deism
1) atheism: the belief that God (or gods) do not exist
2) agnosticism: the belief that there is not enough evidence to prove or disprove the existence of God – ‘we just don’t know’
3) theism: the belief that there is a God (or gods) with whom we may relate
4) deism: belief in the existence of a supreme being, specifically of a creator who does not intervene in the universe.
But here is another one that should be added to this list.
5) apatheism. It is the view that whether or not God (or gods) exist is not that important. An ‘apatheist’ doesn’t take a position on the question of God—he or she simply doesn’t care.
It’s important to note that your belief will affect the way you talk or don’t talk to others about God. Are you a “Professing Christian” who is quite content and comfortable in the life you are now living? Perhaps you expect the “professionals” (Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, Deacons) to do the work of evangelism rather than your getting involved in it yourself.
The early Jewish Christians knew what Jesus had told them to do – “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
But for a long time they hesitated to reach out to non-Jews with the Gospel until God put “a fire under them” in the person of Saul, the persecutor of Christians (Acts 9:1 ff; 1 Corinthians 15:9; Galatians 1:13), who later became the Apostle Paul (Acts 13:9), and the steward (household manager) of the “Dispensation of Grace” in which we now live (Ephesians 3:1 ff). [3]
Carnal Christians, who are manifesting “the works of the flesh,” (which are all perversions of good things – Galatians 5:19-21), usually won’t be interested in being obedient to the Lord’s command. In fact, they shouldn’twitness to lost people until they’ve confessed their known sins to God the Father and have claimed His forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13; James 5:16). Failure to confess all our known sins to Him can result in severe discipline (1 Corinthians 11:27-32; Hebrews 10:31; 12:5 ff; James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16).
Once we’ve made things right with God and others whom we’ve offended (James 5:16; Romans 12:18), we need to walk by means of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 25), and be “filled with the Spirit” by allowing Him to make up where we are lacking in Christ likeness (Ephesians 5:18). When we’re rightly related to God the Holy Spirit, He will produce “The Fruit of the Spirit” in our lives (Galatians 5:22, 23). Then we become responsible to direct it toward the right objects, for the right reasons, and at the right time. [4]
Sometimes, when we’re dealing with unsaved people, they will show little or no interest in spiritual things. They’re apathetic. I also have encountered people who were hostile to me when I tried to talk to them about God and the Gospel. If they’re offended, I want them to be offended by the Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:18-25; 2:14) rather than with me because of my ineptness or carelessness.
Perhaps they’ve had a bad experience with “religion” and “religious people.” Rather than trying to “cram the Gospel down their throat,” showing “agape” love and kindness to them might open up a future opportunity to talk to them about God’s amazing grace and the salvation He provides for all mankind (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2). After all, it’s the goodness [kindness] of God [that] leads [people] to repentance [i.e., a change of mind] (Romans 2:4). [5] Do you love people as God does (John 3:16)?
Sometimes I like to leave a clear Gospel tract with people. (It can be like a “pebble in a shoe.”) I often use a tract that I wrote about the death of our late son, Bill, as an “ice breaker.”[6] I’ve found many people who have had similar circumstances with the loss of a loved one or friend.
If you distribute “Gospel tracts,”[7] make sure that they include the facts of the Gospel – that Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Don’t use those that leave out Christ’s bodily resurrection as many Gospel tracts do. Make sure that they clearly state that the only condition for their salvation / deliverance from hell to heaven is for them to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, through the Gospel…” so they can/will be saved (Acts 16:31). When a person believes, he repents (i.e., changes his mind about God, himself, and how he must be saved). Our “good works” have no part in our being saved (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5; Isaiah 64:6).
If you have been saved by God’s grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, through the message of the Gospel, but have been involved in “apatheism,” confess this to God and then, with His help, become a F.A.T.F.R.E.E. Christian. (Faithful, Available, Teachable, Flexible, Evangelistic, and Enthusiastic). [8]
We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to grow spiritually. If you’d like additional spiritual help, we can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.
We’d appreciate your help by SHARING this information with others. If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”
For further study to show yourself approved to God (2 Timothy 2:15), we invite you to read the following articles:
Most people fear death because they aren’t sure what might happen to them after they die. Is this your concern? If it is, please keep reading. Otherwise, give this to someone who might be interested or near death.
Some people believe that all of us will be annihilated when we die. Others believe in “reincarnation” and hope they will have another chance to “get it right” so they eventually can get to “Nirvana.”
Going to “Purgatory” first, before one can enter heaven, is taught in some churches because they don’t believe that Christ’s work on the cross was sufficient to cover all their sins. What do you believe?
Is it possible for us to know for sure that we will go to heaven immediately when we die? Yes, if we believe that Jesus and the Bible are truthful / trustworthy sources of information (John 14:6; 17:17).
The Bad News
We’ve all sinned / acted lawlessly. God’s Word tells us that “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” “… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (See Romans 3:10-12, 23).
“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). It is acting defiantly toward God Who has placed helpful restraints on us. It entails the attitude, “I’ll do whatever I want to do.”
We all deserve to die spiritually and physically. Death means separation, not annihilation. When Eve and then Adam ate the forbidden fruit they were immediately separated spiritually from intimate fellowship with God, and they began to die physically (Genesis 2:16, 17; 5:5). This is when sin and death entered into the world (Romans 5:12). And “…the wages [i.e., payment] of sin isdeath…” (Romans 6:23a).
Therefore “… it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Death is a “general rule.” (Note some exceptions: Genesis 5:24; 2 Kings 2:1, 11; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52)
The Gospel (Good News)
Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4a). Why? To pay the debt that we all owed to God (Romans 6:23a). “He was buried…” Why? To prove that He really died and didn’t just swoon / faint.
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by [God] the [Holy] Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18).
Christ rose again bodily on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:4b-6; Luke 24:36-43). “… He was seen by [Peter], then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present [as the Apostle Paul was writing this], but some have fallen asleep [i.e., died physically].”
The Solution To Our Problem
What must we do to be saved from hell and enter heaven?
(Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; John 14:1-3)
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ [alone, Who died for ours sins…and rose again bodily], and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
“For God [the Father] so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son [the Lord Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have [eternal] life.” “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16, 18). Are you currently an unbeliever or a believer?
Our salvation is not by works. “For by grace [unmerited favor] you [are] saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast”(Ephesians 2:8, 9).
Time To Decide
My Friend, If you want to be saved from hell to heaven, but haven’t transferred your faith and trust from yourself and your good works over to Christ alone, let me encourage you to do so NOW! We have no guarantee that we will be alive at the end of today (Proverbs 27:1; James 4:14).
True believers can have assurance of their salvation as they rest their faith in Christ and the trustworthiness of God’s Word (John 17:17).
“[God] the [Holy] Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that [believers] are children of God,” and no longer the children of the devil (Romans 8:16; John 8:44; 1 John 3:9, 10). “These things I [the Apostle John] have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life…” [as a present possession] (1 John 5:13).
Christians, who are abiding [feeling at ease] in Christ (John 15:1-8), and who have their known sins confessed to God (1 John 1:9), don’t need to fear death. Death is only a shadow that can’t hurt us (Psalm 23:4). And “…to be absent from the body [means being] present with the Lord [which is far better]” (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23).
* * * * *
Once we’ve been saved, God wants His children to share this Good News (Gospel) with others so they can be saved too.
“…you shall be [My] witnesses…” (Acts 1:8). “And [Jesus] said to [His disciples], ‘Go into all the world and [proclaim] the gospel to every creature’” (Mark 16:15). If you’ve been saved, will you do this?
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When I was growing up in Japan, people would sometimes come to visit us in our home. Often they would bring a gift with them – usually some nicely wrapped and boxed fruit or something like that. I remember, it wasn’t cheap either.
This made me think about something that we, as Christians, might do when we go to meet the Lord in the air at the time of the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). If we’ve had a part in another person’s salvation, we will be able to present him/her to the Lord as our gift to Him. He, in turn, will give to us the “Crown of Rejoicing” as His way of saying “thank you” to us (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20).
But instead of keeping this crown for ourselves, we will gladly present it back to Him as we say, “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created” (Revelation 4:10, 11).
At this same time, Judge Jesus will evaluate our works to determine which ones are praiseworthy and which ones aren’t (1 Corinthians 4:5). Those that have the quality of gold, silver, or precious stones will be rewarded; those like wood, hay, and stubble will be burned up without our losing our salvation (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
We also believe that it is at this time that He will determine our degree of enjoyment and the type of service that we will have in heaven (Revelation 22:3). There are definite reasons to serve God well while we’re here on earth.
Then He will take us to “the place” that He’s been preparing for us (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:9 ff). From then on we, as His Bride, will be with Him and go wherever He goes.
The song writer put it well, “Must I go, and empty-handed? Must I meet my Savior so? Not one soul with which to greet Him: Must I empty-handed go?” – Charles C. Luther. Question – Will you, will I, be responsible, in part, for others being in heaven?
After saving us, God could have taken us to heaven immediately. But He leaves most of us here on earth so we can glorify Him by making Him known to others (1 Corinthians 10:31). We need to know that when we tell lost people about the God-man, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day, and invite them to place their faith and trust in Him alone for their salvation – (i.e. deliverance from hell to heaven), there will be a few who will take Him up on His offer (John 6:37). But they can’t believe in Someone about Whom they know nothing (Romans 10:14-17).
Sadly, most people won’t come to Him and be saved because they love darkness rather than light (John 3:18-21) and the temporary pleasures of sin (Hebrews 11:25). Jesus is the “Light of the world.” He who follows Him shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life (John 8:12).
The Gospel for our salvation is quite simple – “Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day.” Encourage lost people to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ [alone], and [they] will be saved [instantly]” (Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8, 9). “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Tomorrow may be too late (Proverbs 28:13; James 4:14).
Some of us cultivate the ground; some plant the seed of the Gospel; others water the seed. But God is the One Who gives eternal life (His quality of life) to those who believe on Christ alone (1 Corinthians 3:5, 6; John 3:16, 18). We aren’t saved by our good works, or by our faith plus our good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). It’s by grace alone, through faith alone, in the Christ of the Scriptures alone, for the glory of God alone.
Before ascending back to heaven from where He came (John 16:28), Jesus told His disciples that He wanted them to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8), and proclaim the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). It’s like one beggar telling another beggar where he can find bread – Christ is the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35).
Rather than saying, “I have to do this,” we should say, “I get to tell others about Christ.” However, if you’re a carnal Christian, you need to confess your known sins to God the Father and then accept His family forgiveness before you try to witness to others (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13).
The greatest joy in life comes to Christians who have led someone to Christ, and then in helping that person grow spiritually so he/she can walk in the realm of the truth (3 John 1:4).
Remember – If you want to lead others to Christ so they can be saved “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
Let’s not boast about tomorrow because we don’t know what a day may bring forth (Proverbs 27:1). Our lives are like a vapor that quickly vanishes away (James 4:14). The Apostle Paul wrote, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15, 16).
My Friend, if you’re saved, will you join me in introducing others to Christ and telling them that He died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day so they will have Someone in Whom they can believe to be saved from the lake of fire to heaven (Matthew 25:41, 46; John 14:1-3)?
My days on earth are very limited. We’re here to help those who are teachable, willing to change, and grow spiritually. We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.
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Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
When the devil reminds me of my sins (lawless behavior) and SHAMEFUL PAST, I remind him of his PAINFUL FUTURE in the lake of fire forever (Matthew 25:41).
“Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.” – Mark Twain. Think about that. Isn’t it true of you? It is of me. But God, Who is omniscient, knows everything about us and nothing is hidden from Him (Isaiah 46:10; John 2:24, 25). And yet He loved us (John 3:16).
My friend, you and I don’t have to join the devil in the lake of fire. We can be judicially forgiven when we place our faith and trust in Christ alone, Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). If you’ve never done this, believe on Him now. “Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1; See James 4:14). There are no more opportunities to be saved from the lake of fire once you’re dead. No reincarnation either.
We are NOT saved by our good works, or by our faith PLUS our good works lest we should boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). Man’s religions require good works for salvation.
Once we’ve been saved and received God’s gift of eternal life / God’s quality of life (John 1:12; 3:16, 5:24)), we can begin to do good works for the glory of God and for the good of others (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 6:10).
By our good works we demonstrate to others that we belong to God and are a part of His family rather than the devil’s family (James 1:22; 2:18-20; John 8:44; 1 John 3:8-10). If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? If not, why?
I, like many others, am very thankful for the words to this song:
Calvary covers it all, My past with its sin and stain; My guilt and despair Jesus took on Him there, And Calvary covers it all. [1]
By Ethel Taylor
The Apostle John wrote, “My little children [Christians], these things I write to you, so that you may not [keep on sinning]. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation (satisfaction) for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:1, 2).
We, as Christians, don’t have to keep on sinning (acting lawlessly). God has “made a way of escape” for His children so we don’t yield to sinful temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13). We can live victoriously over our three spiritual enemies: the devil, the present world system, and our own sin natures. Learn more below. [2]
Sinners, Saved By Grace
Even though you’ve been saved, do you sometimes feel like God couldn’t possibly useyou because you continue to sinperiodically?Remember:
~ Noah was a drunk
~ Abraham was too old
~ Isaac was a daydreamer
~ Jacob was a liar
~ Leah was ugly
~ Joseph was abused
~ Moses had a stuttering problem
~ Gideon was afraid
~ Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
~ Rahab was a prostitute
~ Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
~ David was an adulterer and a murderer
~ Elijah was suicidal
~ Isaiah preached naked
~ Jonah ran from God
~ Naomi was a widow
~ Job went bankrupt
~ John the Baptist ate bugs
~ Peter denied Christ
~ The disciples fell asleep while praying
~ Martha worried about everything
~ The Samaritan woman was divorced (more than once)
~ Zacchaeus was too small
~ Paul was too religious
~ Timothy had an ulcer
~ Lazarus was dead!
When we sin as Christians, we need to confess our sins to God our Father, and then claim His family forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13). We don’t lose our salvation when we sin (John 10:28, 29; Philippians 1:6); We lose our family fellowship (1 John 1:6, 7).
With God’s help, let’s become F.A.T.F.R.E.E. Christians. Take the test. (Click below.) [3]
We’ll only be here for just a little while longer (2 Timothy 4:6; James 4:14; 2 Peter 1:12-15) to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and grow (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). Contact us if you have questions and/or comments. Please let us know if this or other articles or talks have helped you. We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.
Other articles, which may be of interest to you, can be found at www.kelseypeach.wordpress.com. Some of our talks can be found on Youtube or on our Facebook page.
In his book entitled “Seven Men Who Rule The World From The Grave” Dr. Dave Breese demonstrates how such men as Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, John Dewey, Sigmund Freud and others have had a significant impact on mankind to this very day, even though they are now dead.
It is our understanding that these dead men, who are most likely in Hades, know how wrong they were and wish they could return to earth to warn the living not to follow them and their philosophies, but rather that people believe God’s Word which is absolute truth (See Luke 16:19-31; John 14:6; 17:17).
Which philosopher’s / person’s thoughts and actions have influenced you the most? We all have a “world view” that causes us to behave as we do. Is it based on godly wisdom, or worldly wisdom that leads to death (James 1:5; 3:15; Proverbs 14:12)?
Although our influence on others may not be as significant as these men, we still are having an impact and influence for good or for evil on those whom we encounter in life, whether it be our family members, our friends, or our fellow workers. Our attitude and our actions matter to God and others.
The Christian’s pleasure and rewards in heaven or the unbeliever’s degree of torment in hell will be determined by the Lord Jesus Christ, the righteous and omniscient Judge (2 Timothy 4:8; John 2:24; 5:22; Isaiah 46:10) either at “The Bema Seat Judgment” for Christians (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10) or at “The Great White Throne Judgment” for unbelievers (Revelation 20:11-15).
The Scriptures teach that “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). However, it doesn’t say that this judgment will take place immediately when a person dies.
Examples
At our funeral an unsaved person might believe on the Lord Jesus Christ through the message of the Gospel and be saved because we witnessed to that person before we died. God will reward us for doing this (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20). To those believers who will die during the Tribulation these words were written, but the principle still seems to apply to us as well. “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them” (Revelation 14:13).
On the other hand an unbeliever might murder a father whose children are left desolate. Later on one of the deceased father’s children might engage in a robbery because he and his family are starving. On judgment day God will take into account the harm that the murderer brought on others too.
Yes, there are degrees of suffering in hell (the lake of fire) for unbelievers (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; Revelation 21:8), and there are degrees of pleasure in heaven for believers (Psalm 16:11).
Purgatory?
The Christian’s cleansing and purging is limited to this life (Ephesians 5:26, 27). The Scriptures don’t teach that some people go to “Purgatory” after they die to get cleansed or purged of remaining sins before they are allowed into heaven. There are “no back doors into heaven.” This false teaching suggests that Christ’s work on the cross was not sufficient to save us. The Apostle Paul wrote, “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present [immediately] with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).
Serious Business
Believers who participate in the Lord’s Supper with unconfessed sins in their lives will be chastened and disciplined by the Lord in this lifeonly so that they won’t be condemned later with the unsaved people of the world (1 Corinthians 11:27-32). “For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The LORD will judge His people. It is a fearful thing [for a carnal Christian, who is acting like an unsaved person] to fall into the hands of the living God’” (Hebrews 10:30, 31; 12:5-11).
“If we [as Christians] confess our sins, He [God the Father] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “Confess your [sins] one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed” (James 5:16). “He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).
Are you a carnal Christian who is living in sin (acting lawlessly)? Are you dismissing as unimportant what God prohibits His children from doing and/or failing to do what He wants you to do? “…to [the Christian] who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). Beware! “… if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons” (Hebrews 12:8).
Many unbelievers often go unpunishedin this life, but judgment day is coming for them and the righteous Judge, Jesus (John 5:22) will sentence them with justice. “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 21:8; See also 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
The lake of fire(hell)is a place where there will “be weeping and gnashing of teeth” forever. It was prepared for the devil and his angels / demons, but all unbelieverswill end up there (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46). The “Universal Salvation” of everyone isNOT taught in the Scriptures.
My friend, you don’t have to go to this awful place. Christ died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day(1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Any and all who place their faith and trust in Him alone will be saved from hell and will enter heaven (Acts 16:31). We aren’t saved by our good works lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5; Isaiah 64:6). It’s by grace (unmerited favor).
Some people love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil. They choose not to come to the Light (Christ) and be saved (John 3:19; 8:12). But if you are an unbeliever or one who isn’t sure of your eternal destiny in heaven or hell, and would like to knowand have absolute assurancethat you will go to heaven the moment you die (Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13), we invite you to contact us here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and grow (2 Timothy 2;2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18).
To receive future articles as the come out, click on“Follow.”
HOW SAD it would be if… No, how TRAGIC it will be for those who knowthe facts of the Gospel and even believe them to be true, and yet don’t place their faith/trust in Christ alone, Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the dead on the third day. [1] Such people, who die without Christ as their personal Savior, will suffer more in the lake of fire than those who have never heard about Him (Matthew 11:22, 24; Revelation 20:12, 13). Will this be true of you? We sincerely hope it won’t be.
Some people, living in the “Seven Year Tribulation” (Revelation 6-19),will refuse to take the “Mark of the Beast” (Revelation 13:17; 14:9-11). [2] Some of them will prophesy in Christ’s name, cast out demons, and do many wonders in His name. And yet He will say to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:21:23; 25:30, 41, 46).
No one is saved by his/her good works lest any of us should boast. Good works are the result of one’s being saved (Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:18). When a Christian “abides (feels at ease) in Christ,” he/she will produce much fruit (John 15:1-8). “Spiritual fruit might involve our having and displaying a Christlike character (2 Peter 1:5-8; Galatians 5:22, 23), a life characterized by good works(Colossians 1:10), being a faithful witness(Romans 1:13; 1 Corinthians 16:15), a pair of lips that praise God (Hebrews 13:15, 16), and generous giving” (Romans 15:28; Philippians 4:17). (See Dr. Charles Ryrie, So Great Salvation, p. 50)
As a general rule, all of us are going to die (Hebrews 9:27). There have been and there will be a few exceptions in the future (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52). (If you’d like more information, contact us.)
Do you think that you will go to heaven the moment you die? [4] If so, how sure are you – 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, 0%? Do you believe that you must go to a purging place before you get into heaven by the back door? Why do you think God should let you into His heaven – Your good works? Your faith plus your good works? Your faith in Christ alone? If you believe you’re saved, is there anything you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation? If so, what would it be?
Need More Information? We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and grow. Contact us here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If this information has helped you, please SHARE it with others. To receive future articles as they come out, click on Follow.
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