Secret Wounds, Silent Cries

“Tucked away in a quiet corner of every life are wounds and scars. If they were not there, we would need no Physician. Nor would we need one another.” – Chuck Swindoll [1]

Jesus said this to His disciples, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

And the night before He was crucified on a cross He said, “Abide [i.e. feel at ease] in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4, 5).

“This fruit can be seen in Christlike character (2 Peter 1:5-8; Galatians 5:22, 23), a life characterized by good works (Colossians 1:10), a faithful witness (1 Corinthians 16:15), a pair of lips that praise God (Hebrews 13:15), and through generous giving of one’s money (Romans 15:28; Philippians 4:17).  – Dr. Charles C. Ryrie “So Great Salvation” p. 50.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1, 2).

Realizing the need that every Christian has, Lina Sandell wrote this –

“Day By Day” [2]

“Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.

“He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.”

Song writers Annie S. Hawks and Robert Lowry went a little further and wrote about an hourly relationship that we all need to have with the Lord.

“I need Thee every hour
Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford

“I need Thee, O I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
O bless me now, my Savior
I come to Thee.” [3]

But Daniel W. Whittle wrote about a “Moment By Moment” relationship each Christian needs.

“Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine;
Living with Jesus, a new life divine;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.

“Moment by moment I’m kept in His love;
Moment by moment I’ve life from above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine;
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.” [4]

I don’t know about you, but I, as a believer in Christ, am delighted to know that I am held securely in God’s almighty hands (John 10:28 29). He knows everything about me and all His other children, with all of our short comings, and still loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3; John 13:34, 35). God the Father also disciplines and chastens His unruly children (Hebrews 12:5 ff).

My friend, Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Have you placed your faith and trust in Him alone, Who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day? If not yet, why not NOW?

Perhaps you will agree with author Ruth Caye Jones who wrote: “In times like these, we need a Savior / In times like these, we need an anchor / Be very sure, be very sure / Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock. / This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He’s the one / This Rock is Jesus, The only One / Be very sure, be very sure / Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.” [5]

If you are a true Christian do you know someone who may need your help? Are you Faithful, Available, Teachable, Flexible, Resilient, Evangelistic, and Enthusiastic (F.A.T.F.R.E.E.)? [6]

Here are some action steps. (1) Choose three people whom you can encourage by saying healing words. (2) Trust someone by letting him know of your hurt and allowing him to aid you in the healing process. [1]

My days on earth are limited. We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and grow spiritually. We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

[1] Chuck Swindoll, “Growing Strong In The Seasons of Life” Multnomah Press, Portland, OR. p. 78

[2] “Day By Day” https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/02/02/day-by-day/

[3] “I Need Thee” https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/02/02/i-need-thee-every-hour/

[4] “Moment By Moment” https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/02/05/moment-by-moment/

[5] “In Times Like These” https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2015/05/21/in-times-like-these-3/

[6] F.A.T.F.R.E.E. Test. – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/the-f-a-t-f-r-e-e-test/

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

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

Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

They Rule From The Grave

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 life only 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 unpunished in 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 unbelievers will end up there (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46). The “Universal Salvation” of everyone is NOT 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 know and have absolute assurance that 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.”

Gospel Presentations – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/the-bad-news-the-good-newshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUe9ZgADBNQ

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

Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

“My Troublesome Dream”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“When We Sin, What?”

When we sin (act lawlessly), what should we do?  It depends on whether you are a true Christian or not.  If you’re not a Christian, contrary to what you may have been told, it isn’t necessary for you to confess every single sin you’ve ever committed in your life before you can be saved.  In fact you can’t remember every sin (act of lawlessness) you’ve committed.  Everything you’ve done independently of God and all your self righteous acts are considered by God to be sin (See Proverbs 21:4; Isaiah 14:13, 14; 64:6; Romans 14:23; James 4:17).  You may not have known this fact.

Acknowledge.  Instead, you need to realize that you are a sinner like all the rest of us, and in need of a Savior (Romans 3:10-23; 6:23).  We believe that God the Holy Spirit convicts (thoroughly convinces) those whom the Father has given to the Son concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment after they have heard the unadulterated Gospel (John 16:8-11; 6:37, 44; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).  Much of what is being called “The Gospel” isn’t the true Gospel but a “different gospel” and/or another way of salvation (2 Corinthians 11:4, 13-15 ; See Acts 16:17).  (Please read “The Gospel” by Dr. Ron Shea.)

Unforgivable Sin.  The only unforgivable sin today is unbelief in the Lord Jesus Christ of the Scriptures, (not the false christs of the cults – Matthew 24:5).  Without Christ’s quality of righteousness we cannot enter heaven.  But since we all have sinned and are unrighteous, we’re all disqualified from entering heaven to spend eternity with God.  This is why we need Christ’s righteousness put to our account.  God causes this to happen when we believe in/on the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior.  He sees us as having acted right when we believe in/on Christ alone and count His death as our death, and His resurrection as our resurrection (Galatians 2:20; Romans 4:4, 16).  The Holy Spirit also convicts (convinces) these people of being judged and having to spend eternity with the devil and his angels/demons if they don’t believe in/on Christ alone to be saved (Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 20:10).  This truth will seem foolish to most unsaved people (1 Corinthians 1:20-31; 2:14).

Time.  These particular unsaved people (2 Peter 3:9) may not immediately place their faith in Christ but they will believe in/on Him before they die physically (Hebrews 1:14).  This sometimes is called “effectual calling” (John 6:37, 44).  If you’re saved, did you get saved the first time you heard the Good News concerning “God’s Simple Plan Of Salvation”?  Most of us probably didn’t.

Christians.  If you are a true Christian who has been saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone (not of your good works- Ephesians 2:8, 9), and you sin as a Christian, you don’t have to get saved all over again.  In fact, this is impossible (Hebrews 6:4).  Instead you need to honestly confess your known sins to God the Father (without making excuses or blaming others as Adam and Eve did – Genesis 3:8-13) so you can receive family forgiveness (1 John 1:9).  If you say that you have no sin nature that causes you to sin periodically, you are deceiving yourself, not others (1 John 1:8; See Romans 7:14-25).

Christians Don’t Have To Sin (1 John 2:1).  God has made every provision for His children so we don’t have to keep on sinning (2 Peter 1:3; 1 Corinthians 10:13).  If you think and say that you can’t sin once you’re saved (and some people say this), you are about to fall into sin (1 Corinthians 10:12, 13).  You don’t lose your sin nature when you get saved (1 John 1:8; Romans 7:14-25).  It’s still very much alive and most of the temptations to which we yield originate from our sin nature (disposition).  But if we walk by means of the Holy Spirit, we won’t fulfill the lusts (strong desires) that come from our sin nature (Galatians 5:16, 26).  Don’t blame the devil for every sin you commit.  His 14 temptations to sin are different from those that come from our sin nature and the present world system.  Do you know how to overcome these three spiritual enemies and live a victorious Christian life?  Are you teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16)? If so, we may be able to help you.

God Knows Everything.  He knows that we, as His children, will sin periodically (1 John 3:9, 10).  This is why we have an Advocate (Jesus Christ) along side the Father (1 John 2:1).  He ensures that we don’t lose our salvation when we sin (See John 10:28, 29; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30), and also maintains the Father’s integrity when the devil accuses His children of our sinful behavior on earth.  When we, as Christians, confess (name) our sins to God the Father, He grants to us family forgiveness (not judicial forgiveness that took place at the time of our salvation – Ephesians 1:7) and cleanses us from all the unrighteousness that led up to our sinning (1 John 1:9; See James 1:12-15).  Temptations are not sin, but yielding to them constitutes sin.  Believers can earn the “Crown of Life” for overcoming sin (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).

Sin’s Effects.  It interrupts the Christians’ close relationship with God and causes us to grieve the heart of God (Ephesians 4:30).  When we sin we don’t abide (feel at ease with God) and He doesn’t feel at ease with us.  We don’t bear the spiritual fruit that we should (John 15:1-14).  Do you know that this fruit involves (See Galatians 5:22, 23; Colossians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 16:15; Hebrews 13:15; Philippians 4:17)?  Sin also keeps us from doing the desirous will of God for our lives (Romans 12:1, 2).  Without God’s power, we can do nothing to please God (John 15:5; Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 5:9; Romans 8:8).

Confession.  Confessing our sins to God the Father (not to men unless we’ve sinned against them too – James 5:16) doesn’t automatically place us in fellowship with God the Father.  We must make the choice to walk in the light as He is in the light if we are to enjoy close fellowship with Him (1 John 1:7).  Are you abiding in Christ and bearing much spiritual fruit (John 15:8)?  Are you walking in the light?  If not, what needs to change?  Are you tired of suffering the painful consequences of sin that could lead to your premature physical death (James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16, 17)?  Unconfessed sins in the life of a Christian can lead to severe disciplinary measures so we won’t be condemned later with the unsaved people of this world (Hebrews 12:5-11; 1 Corinthians 11:30-32; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:8).

Freedom.  In Christ there is freedom to do as we ought to do rather than being in bondage to sin (Galatians 5:1; Romans 8:2).  We become the slaves of the one to whom we yield (Romans 6:14-23).  Whose servant are you?  Those Christians who make Christ the Master of their lives (Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Peter 3:15) could have no better Master.  Have you done this yet?  This is not a condition for salvation as the “Lordship for salvation” people are teaching. (See below.)

Safety.  Being figuratively under “His wings” and under His care is the safest place we could possibly be (Psalm 91:4; 1 Peter 5:7).  Is this where you’d like to be?  Are you sure you’re saved?  Make sure (2 Peter 1:10). If you’re not, why not get saved today and gain assurance of it (1 John 5:13; Romans 8:16)?  If you’re saved, have you wandered away from God and become carnal like the prodigal son (1 Corinthians 3:1-4; 5:1 ff; See Luke 15:11-32)?  Would you like to come back to the loving arms of your heavenly Father?  He’s waiting (Matthew 11:28). Why not do it right now?

Help.  If this articles has helped you, we’d like to hear from you and ask you to share this information with others who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15).  If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”  Join us on Facebook Live and on Youtube for our Bible studies.

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

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

Lordship For Salvation?  http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/salvatio/lordshrq.pdf

“A Shelter In The Time Of Storm”

When are they going to stop? They seem to keep on coming one after another. Hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, and other disasters are in the news almost daily. On top of that, there are wars and rumors of war that are causing many people, especially the Japanese, to be fearful for their lives. Some people in our country are wondering about being attacked by the North Koreans one of these days. Are we one the brink of World War III? Are you hiding your head in the sand, hoping that nothing bad is going to happen? The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

Future. Do you know what God says is going to happen in the future? If you read the Book of Revelation, and interpret in normally, as we should, the future is going to get far worse before things get better. God is going to allow a man (the Antichrist) to have control over this world for 7 years (Daniel 9:27). If God were to allow him to rule any longer, no flesh on earth would survive (Matthew 24:22). This man will be empowered by the devil and assisted by the false prophet (Revelation 13). The ten rulers from the revived Roman Empire will elevate this man and give him their power. The apostate church will also be behind him (Revelation 17, 18).

Peace. Only after the “Prince of Peace,” the Lord Jesus Christ, returns to this earth to rule and reign for 1,000 years will there be true and lasting peace (Isaiah 2:4; 9:6, 7; Revelation 19, 20). During Christ’s reign over the earth, the devil will be be bound in the Abyss in the heart of the earth (Revelation 20:1-3). The sin nature of man will be curbed by virtue of all his needs being amply supplied (Isaiah 35:1ff). The devil’s world system will not be around to tempt people either (John 18:36; See 1 John 2:15-17). After the 1,000 years, the eternal state will be ushered in with the creation of a new heavens and earth in which righteousness will finally settle down and feel at home (2 Peter 3:10-13).

Weapons. We’re told that mankind has enough nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons at their disposal to wipe off every living thing on earth. But thankfully there is Someone who all knowing and all powerful (Isaiah 46:10; John 2:24, 25; Revelation 1:8). He is the One who sets the limitations as to how much He will allow men to do. Knowing what God has said about future events can calm the soul and give us hope (John 14:1-3; Philippians 4:4-8; Romans 15:4). Our hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on a promise from God. God cannot and will not lie to us (Titus 1:2).

Refuge. The Jewish Psalmist wrote, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be moved, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah…Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah” (Psalm 46:1-3, 10, 11 NKJV). The God of the Christians is the same God. We can trust Him as the believing Jews did.

Personalize. Does it seem like your world is falling apart too? Are you suffering from a debilitating illness, emotional anxiety, or from an uncertain future? “Whatever mountains are crumbling around you, take the high ground and stop striving. Initially, be quiet. Listen to the whisper of God behind the roar of your circumstances. You can hear Him, even in the whirlwind, but you have to be still to listen. Then, ultimately, be convinced. God may change your circumstances…Most of all, He wants to change you. Be assured that God is for you [if you’re a Christian], not against you; that He is working behind the scenes for your highest good (Romans 8:28-30).” – Chuck Swindoll, Esther, p. 7.

Caution. God won’t give you any new revelation (information) today. The Scriptures, found in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, are complete (1 Corinthians 13:10). But He will illuminate your mind to the truth of His written, revealed Word if you are a maturing Christian who is rightly related to God the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14; Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:15, 25). Carnal Christians need to confess their sins to God before they can expect or hope to be illuminated to the truth in God’s Word (1 John 1:9; James 5:16). Beware of false forms of meditation (See Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; 1 Timothy 4:15).  Know the difference between the Scriptures that are for us and which are addressed to us (Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:15).  

Christians. Not everyone who claims to be a Christian is a genuine Christian. There are many people who are “Professing Christians” as long as it’s the popular thing to do and they aren’t persecuted. On the other hand, there are “Possessing Christians” who have eternal life as a present possession (John 3:16, 18, 36; 5:24; 1 John 5:11-13). We partake of the Divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) from the moment we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). This doesn’t mean that we will become gods. We will be like Christ’s glorified humanity (1 John 3:2).

Assurance. Are you absolutely sure that you will go to heaven the moment you die? Or do you think that you have to go to Purgatory first? Why should God let you into His heaven? If you believe that you are 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? Do you believe that a person can get into heaven by his/her good works, or by faith plus his/her good works? My friend, you can’t afford to have the wrong answers to these questions.

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. If this article has helped you, we’d like to hear from you. Please share it with others too. If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” We invite you to follow us on Facebook Live www.facebook.com/kelseyandjanet.pietsch and on Youtube: www.youtube.com Enter: Kelsey Pietsch

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

To help you understand the Bible better, we recommend the Scofield Study Bible: http://www.cheapestbookprice.com/prices/9780195275520-the-scofield-study-bible-iii-nkjv-indexed

God Honoring Music: www.abidingradio.org

“Back To Basics”

“Americans revere the Bible – but, by and large, they don’t read it. And because they don’t read it, they have become a nation of biblical illiterates.” – George Gallop

Viewpoint. When a Christian doesn’t read or listen to the reading of the Scriptures (1 Timothy 4:13) or study Bible doctrine on a regular basis, he begins to lose God’s view of things and adopts a secular world view (Isaiah 55:8, 9; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17). If we, as Christians, take a low view of God’s Word, or ignore it, we are bound to live unproductive lives and engage in our own brand of “good works” that will be burned up on Judgment Day (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). Thankfully a true Christian can’t lose his/her salvation (John 10:28, 29; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30).

Good Works. Did you know that God has some specific things that He wants each Christian to do while he/she remains here on earth after he/she has been saved (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10)? Do you know what kind of works they involve? Clue: Read Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-14, and Ephesians 4:11-16. How are these good works to be done (1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 5:13)?

One Way? “The LifeWay Research survey discovered that one in five evangelical Christians believe there are multiple ways to get to heaven, even though Scripture clearly teaches the only way is through faith in Christ (Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8, 9).” This makes us wonder if these so called “evangelical Christians” are really saved? Are they merely “professing Christians” or “possessing Christians”? Do they really have eternal life (God’s quality of life) as a present possession (1 John 5:11, 12)? Are they among those who “believe in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:2)?

Condition. To be saved from eternal condemnation (John 3:16, 18, 36), we need to believe exclusively in/on the Christ of the Scriptures (not in the Christ of the cults), who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Luke 24:33-43). It’s not enough to know and believe these facts (James 2:19). We must transfer our faith/trust from ourselves and our good works over to the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation is not by our good works, or by our faith plus our good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). Make sure that you’re saved (2 Peter 1:10). Beware of those who teach “Lordship in exchange for salvation.” If you believe this way, you won’t/can’t have assurance of your salvation. Don’t make the conditions for spiritual maturity the conditions for salvation. (Example: Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Peter 3:15; and James 4:7-10 are addressed to Christians, not to unbelievers as conditions for salvation.) Don’t confuse justification with sanctification.

Moral Deterioration. “Another symptom of biblical illiteracy is the moral deterioration in both home and society. Of those surveyed, 81 percent believe America is in a steady moral decline. The Scriptures once anchored us to home and society. But as more and more people know less and less about God’s Word, the biblical worldview fades, supplanted by personal opinion. The result: the death of right and wrong…At home, we need a resurgence of simple Bible reading. We need to introduce our children and grandchildren to the life-changing Scriptures and instill in them a love for and discipline in reading God’s Word. It’s never too late to start. In fact, today is a great day to begin.” – Chris Katulka. It’s also important for us to know the distinctions between the Mosaic Law, Grace, and Kingdom rules. All of the Bible is for us, but not all of it is addressed to us. (See our Dispensations Chart.)

Suggestions: May we suggest that you get a good study Bible and start reading it?  You could listen to the reading of the Scriptures on your phone, or when you are driving from place to place, or while you’re working out at the gym, or around the house.

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15). We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” We’re also on Facebook Live and on Youtube. Check us out and tell your friends. Thanks.

Portions adapted from “Getting Back To Basics” by Chris Katulka in Israel My Glory magazine September/October, 2017, p. 8.

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

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

Spiritual Gifts: http://kelseypeach.com/bible_basics.htm

Lordship Salvation: http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/salvatio/lordshrq.pdf

Reading: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2015/11/01/read-grow-rich/

Scofield Study Bible: http://www.cheapestbookprice.com/prices/9780195275520-the-scofield-study-bible-iii-nkjv-indexed

“Living In A Fishbowl?”

It used to be, and may still be, that preacher’s kids who live in a parsonage, feel like they are living in a fishbowl where everyone can see and hear virtually everything they do and say. Some of them resent this and turn away from their parent’s faith and the church.

Reality T.V. However, with today’s reality shows, there are many “celebrities” who subject themselves to the scrutiny of others and they lack personal privacy. Some of them thrive on the attention of their fans and go to extreme measures to keep them. It seems like the more shocking they are, the more they are admired by their depraved fans (See Romans 1:18-32). Other people don’t want to be in the limelight and are very private about what they do in the dark (Psalm 10:11; John 3:19).

Biography. Just suppose that God were still in the business of writing people’s biographies today. Would you like for Him to reveal to an author the dark side of your life as He did in many stories that are found in the Scriptures? Think about the awful things that are recorded about some of the patriarchs. (Examples: Abraham’s lying about his wife Sarah. Isaac’s doing the same thing. Jacob’s deceiving his brother Esau and stealing his birthright. Jacob’s sons selling their brother Joseph to the Midianites. et al.) Some people think that parts of the Bible should be “X” or “R” rated. But everything found in the Bible is accurate in what it says. Much of it serves as negative examples for us not to follow lest we suffer the same kind of consequences in our lives (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11).

Omniscient. While some people think that the IRS, NSA, Facebook and other organizations may have a lot of files and information on almost everyone, their knowledge is still limited. But there is Someone who knows everything about us, including our motivations for doing and saying what we do and say (Isaiah 46:10; John 2:22, 23; Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15; 1 Corinthians 4:5). Imagine that. This may be comforting to those who feel like they have been unjustly treated, and who would like for God to take righteous vengeance on their behalf (Romans 12:19; Revelation 6:10), but it can also be very disconcerting and fearful to those who think that no one knows what they do in the dark (Psalm 10:11; John 3:19; Hebrews 10:30, 31).

Accountable. One day everyone of us will give an account of everything we’ve done and said (Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:12). Our rewards in heaven (1 Corinthians 3:11-15) or our degree of suffering in the lake of fire will be determined when judgment day comes (Revelation 20:11-15). By the way, there isn’t just one judgment at the end of time when we all stand before the omniscient and righteous Judge Jesus (John 5:22; 2 Timothy 4:8) for Him to determine if we get to enter heaven or if we end up in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels/demons.

Sin. There is only one sin that keeps someone out of heaven. It’s the sin of unbelief in the Christ of the Scriptures who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day. Without the righteousness of Christ put to our account (Romans 4:3-8), we can’t enter heaven. Those who try to get in by their good works, will miss it completely. They will be judged and end up in hell with the devil and his angels/demons (John 16:8-11; See Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5; Matthew 25:41, 46).

Identity. Don’t be deceived by the false Christs of the cults (Matthew 24:5; 2 Corinthians 11:4, 13-15). The Christ of the Scriptures shares an absolute equality with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit (John 1:1-18; 10:30; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 2:9). God the Son, who is eternal, added to His deity a true human nature and a real body (Philippians 2:5-9; Hebrews 10:5). He was born of the virgin, Mary (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15). He volunteered to die as a substitute for all our sins on a cross (Hebrews 10:9; John 10:15-18). He was buried in a tomb for three days and nights (Matthew 12:40). Then He rose again bodily on the third day and made Himself visible to over 500 witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Luke 24:33-43; 2 John 1:7) over a 40 period of time before He ascended back to heaven with a promise to return someday (Acts 1:3-11; John14:1-3).

Believe. Many people in some parts of the world know little or nothing about the Christ of the Scriptures. Some people know and believe the facts about Christ and the Gospel. But many of them aren’t saved. They haven’t transferred their faith over to the Lord Jesus Christ alone and been saved. They “believe in vain” when they change the Gospel message or add other conditions beside faith (believing) in Christ alone (1 Corinthians 15:2).

Formula. The correct formula for salvation: Grace + Faith = Salvation + Works.  The Incorrect formula: Grace + Faith + Works = Salvation. Are you making the conditions for spiritual maturity and sanctification the requirements for salvation and justification? God wants Christians who have been saved to be baptized and then present their bodies to Him as a living sacrifice (Matthew 28:19, 20; Romans 12:1, 2; See 1 Peter 3:15). If you’re saved, have you done these things yet? If you want to convince other people (not God who knows your heart) that you are saved, you must do so by displaying good works (James 1:22; 2:18-20).

Lordship Salvation. (1) This heresy involves one’s having to make Christ the Lord and Master of his/her life in exchange for salvation. The Apostle Paul rebuked a demon possessed girl for saying that Jesus was one of many ways of salvation. The Greek language, in which the New Testament was written, should read, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us “a way” of salvation” (Acts 16:17; See Acts 4:12; John 14:6). The only requirement for salvation is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone through the message of the Gospel. The word “believe” is used about 100 times in John’s Gospel as the only condition for salvation.

False Conditions. By twisting the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:16), some people make faith plus water baptism the condition for salvation. Others make faith plus the confession of all your sins necessary for salvation. (What happens if someone can’t remember them all?)  Still others change repentance to mean turning from sin completely rather than a change of mind. Some men believe and teach that a Christian loses his/her sin nature when he/she gets saved and that there is no such thing as a “carnal Christian.” (See 1 Corinthians 3:1-4; Romans 7:15-25; 1 John 1:8). In his little booklet entitled “The Gospel” Dr. Ron Shea deals with some of these false conditions for salvation. (2)

Security/Assurance. They aren’t the same thing. Do you know the difference between the two? The true believer’s security is a fact (John 10:28, 39; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; Philippians 1:6). But his/her assurance comes from the written Word of God (1 John 5:13) and the witness of the indwelling Holy Spirit who bears witness with our spirit that belongs to the mind (Ephesians 4:23). The spirit is the only part of the Christian that is saved at the present time (Romans 8:16; See 1 Corinthians 6:17). Do you know when the soul (emotions) and the body of the Christian are saved (1 Peter 1:9; Romans 8:23; 1 John 3:3)?

Help. We’re here to try to help those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). All Scripture is for us but not all of it is addressed to Christians (Titus 1:9). We encourage you to examine yourself to see if you are really saved God’s way (2 Peter 1:10). Once you know for sure that you are saved (1 John 5:13), share the Clear Gospel with others so they can be saved (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8; Romans 1:16).

Communicate. We’d like to hear back from you. Let us know if this article helped you or if you have questions about what you’ve read. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com

1) Lordship Salvation: http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/salvatio/lordshrq.pdf

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

Recommended Reading – So Great Salvation by Dr. Charles Ryrie

http://www.cheapestbookprice.com/prices/9780802478184-so-great-salvation-what-it-means-to-believe-in-jesus-christ

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

Dispensations are the result of a normal, literal, historical, grammatical interpretation of the Scriptures. They are NOT different ways of salvation.

“Gaining Entrance Into Heaven”

You can gain entrance into heaven to be with God and other believers forever without understanding all the “House Rules” and pledging to keep all of them in order to be saved. But you cannot get into heaven if you are trusting in the wrong Jesus or are trying to get in by your good works (Matthew 24:5; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5; Isaiah 64:6).

Christ. Who is the Christ of the Scriptures? He is fully God and shares an equality with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit (John 1:1-18; Colossians 2:9). He added to His deity a true human nature and a real body (Philippians 2:5-11). He was born of the virgin, Mary (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23 ). He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15). He died for our sins, was buried for three days and three nights, and then rose again bodily on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Luke 24:33-43). Then He made Himself visible to more than 500 witnesses over a forty day period of time before ascending back to heaven (Acts 1:9-11). He promised to return (John 14:1-3).

Object Of Faith. If your faith in resting in Him alone, you will have the witness of God the Holy Spirit bearing witness with your spirit that you are a true child of God (Romans 8:16). You can also have the witness of God’s infallible Word to give you assurance of eternal life (God’s quality of life) to enjoy while you are here on earth (John 10:10). Heaven is also a gift to believers from God that will be enjoyed at the time of physical death or the rapture (2 Corinthians 5:8; 1 John 5:13; John 10:28, 29; 14:1-3; Ephesians 1:13).

Good Works. Once a person in genuinely saved, he/she can begin to do the good works that God planned for him/her to do (Ephesians 2:10). These good works are related to the spiritual gift that each believer was given at the moment of salvation (1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:11). The “Grace House Rules” apply to all Christians. They generally can be found between John 13 and Revelation 3. The six other “House Rules” given to other people in other times are not applicable to Christians unless the same rules are also given to Christians. (Example: 9 of the 10 commandments given to the Jews are repeated somewhere in the rules given to Christians.)

Differences. Since all the “House Rules” come from God Himself, and since He can change them to test some or all of mankind, we need to realize that while all Scripture is to be believed, not all of Scriptures is to be believed and practiced (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17; Titus 1:9). A Christian who tries to come to spiritual maturity by keeping the Old Testament sacrificial system (that included bloody sacrifices) or certain dietary rules (example: Leviticus 1-15) will surely be adding worthless works to himself and will be cutting himself off from benefits that could have been his to enjoy (Galatians 1:6-9). The Christian’s works that have the quality of wood, hay, and straw will be burned up at the “Bema Seat Judgment” without the loss of salvation, but those works that have the quality of gold, silver, and precious stones will be rewarded (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

Degrees. It is our understanding that some Christians will enjoy heaven more than other Christians will. Not all Christians are filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), walk by means of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 25), or are led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14). They rarely do the desirous will of God for their lives. (Example: They don’t give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:18) They won’t receive the crowns, praise, and rewards that obedient Christians will receive. Many Christians are carnal (1 Corinthians 3:1-4; See 1 John 1:8; Romans 7:15-25). On the other hand, some unbelievers will suffer more in the lake of fire than others do. The Great White Throne judgment is not designed to determine one’s entrance into heaven or not, but to judge the unbelievers wicked works (Revelation 20:11-15). Jesus Himself said that it will be more tolerable for some than others (Matthew 10:5; 11:22, 24). If you don’t believe this, you’re calling Him a liar.

Hell. The lake of fire is a real place to which real people go to spend eternity apart from God where there will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30, 41, 45). God doesn’t want people to go there (1 Timothy 2:4). The God-man, the Lord Jesus Christ, came to glorify God the Father by dying for our sins…and rising again bodily from the dead. Only a living Savior can help us. By observing nature, anyone can know that there is a God who exists and that He is powerful. All are without excuse (Romans 1:20; See Psalm 19:1). Fools deny the existence of God (Psalm 14:1).  The only unforgivable sin today is unbelief in Christ (John 16:9).

Application. In which family are you right now – God’s or Satan’s (John 8:44; 1 John 3:9, 10)? Not until you’ve been “born again from above” (John 3:3-5; 1 Peter 1:23) do you enter God’s family. By one act of faith you can enter into God’s forever family. Once you’ve entered it, God wants you to walk in a continual attitude of faith in His promises that are for us to claim (Romans 1;17; Hebrews 4:2). He desires that you grow spiritually (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18), and serve Him and others with love (Galatians 5:13; 1 Corinthians 13). He’d like for you to reproduce yourself by sharing the clear Gospel with others so they can be saved (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19, 20).

Help. We’re here to help 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. If this article has helped you, please share it with someone else and let us know about it too. We invite you to join us on Facebook Live as we study God’s Word together: www.facebook.com/kelseyandjanet.pietsch. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

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

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

“A House Divided”

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to destruction, and a house divided against a house falls” (Luke 11:17). From this may we conclude that the United States of America is coming to an end as a constitutional republic? With what kind of government might it be replaced? If you had your druthers, what would you like? Why isn’t the United States specifically mentioned in Bible prophecy?  Democracies are destined to fail eventually. Do you know why?

Democracies. “A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship.”  Alexis de Tocqueville

Government. It has also been said that any form of government, whether it be socialism, communism, a monarchy, a theocracy, or even fascism, is better than anarchy and lawlessness. During the days of the Judges in the Old Testament times, prior to their becoming a monarchy, many of the Jews were doing what was right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). They disregarded the Ten Commandments that God had given to them to regulate their lives for their own good and that of the Jewish community. As a result of this, enemy nations subjugated and enslaved them until a Judge came to deliver them. The cycle went on for several hundred years: From silence to sins to servitude to supplication to salvation and back to silence.

Laws. The Mosaic Law was not made for righteous people, but for the lawless and profane, for murderers of fathers and mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and for those who engage in other kinds of sinful behavior (1 Timothy 1:9, 10; See Galatians 5:19-21).

Perilous Times. The Apostle Paul predicted that in the last days perilous times would come. Men and women would be 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 pleasures rather than lovers of God. They would have a form of godliness but they would deny its power (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Does this describe our nation as a whole? What about you as an individual?

Peace. The world is longing for peace on earth. But the men of the earth don’t know how to bring it in and make it last. They don’t have peace with God (Romans 5:1, 10; See Psalm 2) or the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6, 7). Prior to the 1,000 years of peace that will come to earth when Christ returns (Isaiah 9:6, 7; Revelation 20:1- 6), the Antichrist will be allowed to rule over the earth for 7 years (Daniel 9:27; Revelation 6-19). Were God to allow him to have world wide domination any longer than this, no flesh would survive on this earth (Matthew 24:22).  Do you know what event must precede the Seven Years of Tribulation  (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)? It’s imminent and no signs precede it.  It’s sure, sudden, silent, selective, and satisfying.

Plan. To understand the times and the boundaries of nations that God has predetermined in His Word (Daniel 2:21; Acts 17:26), we must become students of the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15) and interpret the Bible normally, not allegorically (2 Peter 3:16). God didn’t leave us in the dark about the future. He’s omniscient and knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10; See John 2:24, 25). He promises a special blessing to those who read, hear, and keep (guard in their hearts) the truth about the future that is found in the Book of Revelation. (We have some FREE charts for those who ask for them. Understanding them could revolutionize your life like they did mine.)

Help. If you haven’t placed your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day, we want to encourage you do so right now! We’re not saved by our good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). We can help you have assurance of your salvation (1 John 5:13; Romans 8:16) and know that you will go to heaven the moment you die (2 Corinthians 5:8). We can be reached at 805-238-3549 or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” We appreciate your telling others about these articles so we can reach more people for Christ and take them to heaven with us.

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

Clear Gospel – Audio: http://www.duluthbible.org/the-gospel-audiobook/

 

“He’s The Shepherd & The Door”

John 10:7-10

“Our largely urban society does not have much knowledge of the fine art of herding sheep. Most of what we know we have learned from the Bible itself. We do know about doors, however. Our twentieth-century world has all kinds of doors- automatic sliding doors, revolving doors, elevator doors, car doors, French doors, patio doors and jumbo jet doors…” – Dr. Paul Tassell

In addition to identifying Himself metaphorically as the true Shepherd, Jesus also referred to Himself as the door of the sheep” (John 10:7). For anyone to enter into God’s presence in heaven, a person has to come through Jesus (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). As the Good Shepherd He is the God/man who has provided all that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

Salvation. All of us were born with sinful natures (dispositions) that we inherited from our parents (Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12). We’ve all sinned and come short of God’s glory and deserve to be eternally separated from Him in the lake of fire (Romans 3:10-23; 6:23). But God saw us in our misery and so One of the members in the Godhead made the choice to come down to earth, take to Himself a human nature and body (Philippians 2:5-9). After living a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15), He volunteered to lay down His life as a Substitute and pay the debt that we all owed to God (John 10:18; Romans 6:23; 1 Peter 3:18). The only condition placed on us to receive this deliverance from the lake of fire and to receive eternal life is faith (John 3:16, 18, 36; Ephesians 2:8, 9). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for your sins…and rose again bodily, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Once saved, a Christian can/should demonstrate his faith to other people by being baptized/immersed (Matthew 28:19, 20). It isn’t part of our salvation but is evidence of it (Acts 8:36-38).  It enables us to have a good conscience before God (1 Peter 3:21).

Safety. Our world is filled with spiritual thieves and robbers (John 10:1-10; 2 Peter 2:1ff). False teachers are like wolves in sheep’s clothing. They come to steal, kill, and destroy God’s sheep. True shepherds of the Lord must do their best to guard His sheep (Acts 20:29). Thankfully, even though the false teachers may be allowed to kill the sheep (Matthew 10:28), they can’t rob us of our eternal life that is found in Christ (Romans 8:35-39). True believers are secure in God’s hands (John 10:28, 29) and are sealed by God the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30). We have been saved from the penalty of sin (Ephesians 2:8; Romans 8:1); we are being saved from the power of sin (Romans 6:14); we shall be saved from the presence of sin either at the time of our physical death or the Rapture (Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52).

Sustenance. Babies need milk right after they are born (1 Peter 2:2). But as they mature, they should move on to the meat (solid food) of God’s Word (Hebrews 5:12-14). The Shepherd leads His sheep to the green pastures and still waters (Psalm 23:2). He will keep His eyes opened for the dangerous weeds of false doctrines that come from demons and their agents (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1; 2 Corinthians 11:4, 13-15). He will teach them about the promises of God that can and can’t be claimed. He will make distinctions between the promises given to Israel and the promises given to the Church (1 Corinthians 10:32; Romans 11:1ff; 2 Timothy 2:15; Titus 1:9).

Opposition. To keep the sheep from denying the Lord as the Apostle Peter did (Matthew 26:74), the Lord’s under-shepherds need to teach them about the devil’s tactics (1 Peter 5:8) and let them know that they can/should expect to be persecuted if/when they tell others that Jesus is the only way to God in heaven (John 14:6; 16:2; 2 Timothy 3:12). But God will never leave or forsake His own (Hebrews 13:5). He will give us His strength.

Help. If you aren’t absolutely sure of your salvation, please let us help you come to have assurance of it (Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13). If you’re saved but don’t feel at ease with God, there is probably some barrier that has come between you and Him. Known sins need to be confessed to God the Father before family fellowship can be restored (1 John 1:9; See James 5:16).  If you have questions and/or comments, we can be reached at 805-238-3549 or through our website: http://www.kelseypeach.com.  To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”  

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