God And His Word Are All That We Need

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.”

[1] “Theocentric vs Anthropocentric” https://www.gotquestions.org/theocentric.html

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

[3] Bible Study Book Marker and Dispensations Chart –

Click to access 08892a_ce5bb78881fa4f50a6c866dd9ab0adfe.pdf

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

The Conflict Of The Ages – God vs The Devil

The devil (God’s adversary) was created as Lucifer, the anointed cherub (Ezekiel 28:14). But he became dissatisfied with the role that God had given to him. He had been placed over all the other myriads of spirit beings: other cherubs, seraphs, and angels.

It’s been suggested that there are as many of them as there are stars in the second heaven where they make their residence (Ephesians 6:12). He ruled over all of them from the mineral garden in Eden on earth (Ezekiel 28:13).

But he wanted to be like God. This may sound good, but it really meant that he didn’t want to be accountable to God any longer. He wanted to raise his throne above God’s throne. In defiance toward God, he said five times, “I will…” (Isaiah 14:12-14).

Lawlessness is sin (1 John 3:4). It is defiance against God and the rules He has given to us for our own good. (All of the seven, separate, and distinct “Dispensations / Rules for Living” given to mankind will end up in failure. See our “Dispensations Chart” on our website.)

The devil convinced 1/3 of the lower two categories of angels to join him in his rebellion against God (Revelation 12:4; Ephesians 6:12). These angels became “fallen angels” known also as “demons.”

As a result of his rebellion against God, some theologians and Bible teachers believe that his residence on earth was flooded for an indefinite period of time (Genesis 1:2; 2:9-13; Isaiah 45:18) before God created man, an inferior being, to have dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26, 28).

Adam, the forefather of us all (Acts 17:26; Luke 3:38), was given the task of tending the garden, eastward in Eden, which once may have been a part of Lucifer’s mineral garden (Genesis 2:8). This probably irked the devil greatly. Adam also was instructed not to eat the fruit from the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” lest he die (Genesis 2:17). We know what happened. Eve and then Adam yielded to the devil’s temptation and ate it and eventually died physically (Genesis 3:1 ff; 5:5).

This is why we die too (Romans 5:12; Hebrews 9:27). But someday, all the dead will be raised, in different orders, to spend eternity either with God or apart from Him in the lake of fire (1 Corinthians 15:20-24; Revelation 20:11-15).

So God cursed the serpent, the woman, and the ground for Adam’s sake. But God also promised to give them One who would crush the serpent’s (the devil’s) head (Genesis 3:15; See Revelation 12:9).

Many years later, during the days of Noah, some of the fallen angels took on humanoid forms and cohabited with human women and produced giants in the earth (Genesis 6:4; Jude 1:6). For this sin, these fallen angels/demons were/are chained in darkness in Tartarus (hell – KJV) which is in the heart of the earth (2 Peter 2:4).

The other fallen angels/demons still reside in the second heaven and are the ones who tempt Christians from time to time if God permits them to do so (Ephesians 6:12, 13; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Job 1:12; 2:6). Do you know how to overcome their temptations to sin? [1]

All but Noah, his three sons, and their wives apparently were polluted by this genetic human modification. Thus God had to destroy the rest of the human race with a universal flood (Genesis 7, 8). “The Deliverer” had to come from humans, not someone who was ½ human and ½ fallen angel / demon (Genesis 3:15). This is known as transhumanism. It may sound good, but it is an attempt to perfect humans without the help of God.

Today we are learning more and more about evil people who are trying, once again, to genetically modify humans and make them like gods. Some religions and cults also teach that men can become gods. Do you know about any of them?

“Top World Economic Forum adviser Yuval Noah Harari has declared in a recent interview that the ‘vast majority’ of the world’s 7.5 billion people are simply no longer needed due to technological advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning and bioengineering.’” He also is quoted as saying, “Now humans are developing even bigger powers than ever before. We are really acquiring divine powers of creation and destruction. We are really upgrading humans into gods. We are acquiring, for example, the power to re-engineer life.” [2]

“… transhumanism contradicts the Bible when it assumes that humanity is completely sovereign and capable of self-directed change without the need for God (Jeremiah 17:9). Taken to an extreme, though, [transhumanism] can become a pursuit of immortality, an escape from moral boundaries, or a form of religion in and of itself. The ultimate redemption of mankind is something that will be accomplished by God alone (Revelation 21:1), not by technology.” [3]

God will allow sinful men to only go so far before He puts down their rebellion. He did this at the “Tower of Babel” and changed their languages so they couldn’t work together. This is when the ethnic groups came into existence and when the continental shift began to take place (Genesis 10, 11). In His time God will crush the rebels with His rod of iron (Psalm 2:9; Revelation 2:27; 12:5; 19:15) before He destroys this entire universe and creates a new heavens and earth where righteousness will finally settle down and feel at home (2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1 ff).

Are you in rebellion against God? Are you ignoring His invitation to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day, so you can be saved? (See Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; John 3:16, 18).

If you are an unbeliever, you are in serious danger. If you die without the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you will spend eternity in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels/demons (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46). Why not place your faith and trust in Him right now and be saved? You can’t be saved by your good works, or by your faith plus your good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5).

We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change and grow. If you need/want additional spiritual help, contact us. We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

If this article has helped you, please let us know. SHARE it with others who might benefit from this information. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

[1] Spiritual Enemies – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2021/07/08/the-blame-game/

“Tested And Tried Daily”

[2] WEF’s Yuval Noah Harari quotes – https://leohohmann.com/2022/08/15/yuval-noah-harari-spills-the-beans-we-just-dont-need-the-vast-majority-of-the-population/

https://www.nowtheendbegins.com/yuval-noah-harari-world-economic-forum-antichrist-minion/

[3] Transhumanism – https://www.gotquestions.org/transhumanism.html

Know Your Enemy – The Devil #3

Disappointment, discouragement, and doubt are not strangers to Christians. But we’re also tempted by the devil and/or demons to act independently of God, to be timid, proud, bitter, or to have an unforgiving spirit. The strong lusts / desires to steal, to lie, to be spiritually lazy, to gossip, to be a tale bearer, and to use filthy language all come as temptations from the devil too?

What should Christians do when we face them? God wants us to put on the “whole armor of God” each time we’re tempted in these areas so we stay standing rather than falling into sin (lawless behavior). Temptation isn’t sin; yielding to sinful temptations is sin.

We invite you to read and study carefully the following information found in the two links below, to help you in your walk with God so you can live victoriously over your spiritual enemy the devil.

If you haven’t read the two previous articles about “Know Your Enemy – The Devil” (Parts #1, 2) please refer to them too.

Contact us if you have questions and/or comments, or if you aren’t absolutely sure that you will go to heaven the moment you die. “The Bad News & Good News” is on our website. You may find other articles on our Blog to be helpful too.

“The Armor Of God”

“The Armor Of God” Part 2

Know Your Enemy – The Devil #2

The devil and demons don’t want unsaved people to hear and believe the clear Gospel message which could lead to their deliverance from hell to heaven (1 Corinthians 15:3,4; 2 Corinthians 4:4).

They lull most unsaved people to sleep so they don’t sense impending danger (1 John 5:19). They also energize their devoted and mature sons of disobedience into action (Ephesians 2:2). Examples: Judas (John 13:27), false prophets and teachers (2 Corinthians 11:4, 13-15; 2 Peter 2:1), the Beast and False Prophet (Revelation 13).

They also want to keep believers from fulfilling God’s desirous will for their lives (Romans 12:1,2). They have at their disposal “fourteen fiery darts” to attack a believer’s mind if God allows them to do so (1 Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 6:13). When attacked, Christians need to put on the “full armor of God” on each time we’re attacked by their lusts /strong desires (Ephesians 6:10-17) so we can live victorious Christian lives for the glory of God and the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 6:10).

As time moves on Satanic and demonic activity and doctrines will increase and many will believe their lies (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:1– 4:5). Therefore, Christians need to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:8, 9; See James 4:7).

To learn more about the devil and his tactics, we invite you to read and carefully study (2 Timothy 2:15) the following information. If you have questions and/or comments, or need more informaiton, contact us.

Click here: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2016/02/12/spiritual-warfare/

Know Your Enemy – The Devil #1

The “invisible” corona virus, we’ve been told, has been responsible for the deaths of millions of people. But our truly invisible enemy, the devil, is a selective murderer and a liar (John 8:44). He goes about as a roaring lion seeking those whom he may overwhelm (1 Peter 5:8). But he’s not omnipotent like God.

We invite you to read this and other articles to follow this one, so you can have a clear understanding of him and how to live victoriously over him.

“The Devil – Fallacies & Facts”

Our Neighbors In Heaven

Have you ever given much thought about who might be your “next door neighbors” in heaven (provided you’re a true Christian)? I hadn’t. But one author made an interesting observation about them. He pointed out that some of them might be those who once were fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, sodomites, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners, cowards, abominable, murderers, sorcerers, or liars. Be honest. Have you ever engaged in such sinful behavior yourself? We all have a dark side of us that we don’t want others to see. Right? [1]

Lawlessness. We’ve all sinned (acted lawlessly – 1 John 3:4) and deserve physical death and spiritual death – to be eternally separated from God in hell (Romans 3:10-23; 6:23). But there is hope for us sinners, if we’re still alive physically. We don’t pray for or to the dead as some cults and religions do. Read on.

Carnality. In his letter to the carnal Christians in the church of Corinth, the Apostle Paul wrote these words, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Sinless Perfection? Does this mean that Christians, once saved, can’t engage in such sins anymore? No. But they can’t keep on practicing such things without severe consequences in this life alone (1 John 3:9, 10). God the Father disciplines and chastens His own children (Hebrews 10:30; 31; 12:5 ff).

Because of their carnality, many of the Corinthians Christians were weak and sick, and many of them had died physically (1 Corinthians 11:30; See also James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16). “It is a fearful thing [for a carnal Christian] to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). Are you one of them? Beware! If you are, you could die prematurely and painfully.

Confession. When we sin as Christians, we need to quickly confess our sins to our heavenly Father and then claim His forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13). Being omniscient, He can’t / won’t forget our sins, but He won’t hold them against us (Ezekiel 33:16). Sometime in the days ahead He will allow us to be tempted in that same area again to give another opportunity to demonstrate our love for Him or our love for the passing pleasures we derive for engaging in sin (James 1:12; Hebrews 11:25; 1 John 2:15-17). Think about this. If sin weren’t pleasurable to us, we wouldn’t engage in it. Right?

Danger. “Sin (lawlessness) will take us farther than we want to go, keep us longer than we want to stay, and cost us more than we want to pay.” Discover how Christians can live victoriously over our three spiritual enemies: the devil, the present world system, and our own sin nature. [2]

How Bad? You and I haven’t been as bad as we could be. We could be a lot worse. Right? But every unbeliever is as “bad off” as he/she can be. Those who die physically without the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior will spend eternity with the devil and his angels in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 21:8).

Suffering. The unbeliever’s degree of suffering there will be determined at the Great White Throne Judgement by the Righteous Judge Jesus (John 5:22; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 20:11-15). What about the condition of those who die before that day? Click below. [3]

Righteousness / Love. God is not unjust even though He didn’t / doesn’t provide salvation for the fallen angels / demons. He didn’t have to provide salvation for us either. But God the Father wanted to show His love for sinful human beings who were His enemies (Romans 5:10). So He gave us His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16). He became the virgin born God-man (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Philippians 2:5-11). He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15), and then died as a Substitute for all our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19). But a dead Savior can’t help or save anyone.

Bodily Resurrection. To prove to us that God the Father was fully satisfied with Christ’s death and payment for all our sins, He raised Him from the dead (Romans 4:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10). His bodily resurrection guarantees other bodily resurrections of all those who have died (1 Corinthians 15:21-24; Daniel 12:2; Revelation 11:11; 20:11-15). The Scriptures teach the resurrections of the justified ones and the unjustified ones at different times. There is no annihilation of the wicked dead, or reincarnation taught in the Scriptures. “… it is appointed for men to die once, but [sometime] after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). In which one will you participate?

Forgiveness. We (Christians) are judicially forgiven of our sins when we place our faith and trust in Christ alone (Ephesians 1:7; 2:8, 9; Acts 16:31) through the message of the Gospel. Christians have been justified (Romans 5:1) and are no longer under condemnation (Romans 8:1). We are eternally secure in God’s hands (John 10:28, 29; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). These things are but a few of the benefits believer’s receive at the moment of salvation. (See Ephesians 1:3 ff) [4]

Questions: Be honest. Are you 100% certain that you will go to heaven the moment you die? Why should God let you into His heaven? If you believe you’re saved, is there any thing you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation? If so, what would that be? [5] If you are saved and know it (Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13), how much spiritual growth has taken place in your life (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18)? How much “spiritual fruit” is evident in your life for others to see (John 15:1-8)? “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18).

Fruit. “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.

Limited. 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 you and others who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to grow spiritually (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 our 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.

Click on “Follow” if you’d like to receive future articles as they come out. Share the ones you like with others.

[1] Our Dark Side. https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2022/12/04/my-shameful-past/

[2] Three Spiritual Enemies: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2021/07/08/the-blame-game/

[3] Intermediate Bodies – http://bartimaeus.us/pub_dom/intermediate_body.html

[4] Spiritual Blessings: https://www.biblebelievers.com/ream_b1.html

[5] Gospel Presentations: How we become a true Christian.

“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.

My Shameful Past

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 use you because you continue to sin periodically? 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.

[1] Calvary Covers It All https://wordwisehymns.com/2013/06/19/calvary-covers-it-all/

[2] Victorious Living: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/03/22/tested-and-tried-daily/

[3] 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 Enemy Within

Christians have three spiritual enemies: The devil, the present world system, and their own sinful nature. Believe it or not, we are our own worst enemy. Some teach that the Christian loses his sin nature when he gets saved. Not true. “If we say that we have no sin [nature], we deceive ourselves, and the truth [regarding the sin nature] is not in us” (1 John 1:8).

The Apostle Paul tells us about the struggle he had with his sinful nature (Romans 7:15-25). When it got in a fight with his new nature from God (2 Peter 1:3, 4), his sin nature always won. While his new nature wanted to do what was right, he ended up doing what was sinful.

But when he learned how to “walk by means of the Spirit” and let Him fight his sin nature, he would gain the victory over the “works of the flesh” which are perversions of good things (Romans 8:1; ff; Galatians 5:16-25).

William Barclay points out that  “Immorality, impurity, licentiousness are perversions of the sexual instinct which is in itself a lovely thing and part of love.  Idolatry is a perversion of worship and was an aid to worship.  Sorcery is a perversion of the use of the healing drugs in medicine.  Envy, jealousy, and strife are perversions of the noble ambition and desire to do well which can spur to greatness.  Enmity and anger are the perversion of that righteous indignation without which the passion for good cannot exist.  Dissension and the party spirit are a perversion of the devotion to the principle which can produce the martyr.  Drunkenness and carousing are the perversion of the happy joy of social fellowship and of the things which men can happily and legitimately enjoy.  Beauty is turned to ugliness.  Sin takes the raw material of potential goodness and turns it into the material of evil.” [1]

When we, as Christians, yield ourselves to God the Holy Spirit and He takes charge of our lives (Romans 6:11-14; 12:1, 2), He not only kills our sinful lusts / desires, but He also produces in us the “Fruit of the Spirit” which is Christlikeness: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22, 23). These qualities need to be demonstrated at the right time, toward the right objects, and for the right reasons (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Example: It’s possible for a “Spirit filled” believer (Ephesians 5:18) to misdirect “agape” love toward the world system rather than back toward God and His children (1 John 2:15-17; 3:16, 17).

We all have a sinful nature that is like “The Trojan Horse.” It can cause havoc in our lives. If you’d like to learn more about it, click on the link below. [1]

We’re here to help unbelievers learn about the true and living God-man, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who can deliver us from the “Lake of Fire” and take us to heaven (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; John 3:16, 18), [2] and to assist Christians mature in the faith (2 Peter 3:18). If you have questions and/or comments, we can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

[1] The Trojan Horse: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/the-trojan-horse/

[2] Gospel Presentations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZvwylOL6L4

“The Bad News & The Good News”

Pass It On

He was lingering in a Roman prison cell and facing an imminent death. Why? Because he insisted that the Gospel he proclaimed for the salvation of Jews and non-Jews (Romans1:16) had to include, not only Christ’s death for our sins, but also His bodily resurrection from the dead (2 Timothy 2:8-10; Acts 24:21). Without it, we, as believers in Him, couldn’t be sure that our sins had been forgiven (Romans 4:25), and we’d have no hope for a better life in the future (1 Corinthians 15:12-19).

The “best life” for an unbeliever is now; The “best life” for a Christian is in the next life. Think about that. Where will you spend it – in heaven or in hell? Are you sure?

It was from this prison cell that the Apostle Paul wrote a brief letter to his son-in-the-faith, Timothy. The believers in Asia Minor, whom he led to the Lord, had forsaken him (2 Timothy 1:15). He wanted Timothy to pass on to other faithful Christians what he had received from Paul (2 Timothy 2:2), who had been taught by the Lord Himself for three years in the wilderness after his conversion (Galatians 1:15-18).

Sadly, there are many Christians who aren’t faithful to the Lord and His Word. They live carnal lives (See 1 Corinthians 3:1 ff) and walk according to the flesh (their sin nature), rather than by means of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-21; Romans 8:5-8). Such Christians grieve and quench God the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19).

Confession to God the Father is in order for such believers (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13) or serious consequences could follow: weakness, sickness, or a premature death (1 Corinthians 11:30; James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16). Keep this in mind – We have “potential years” and “actual years.”

“Sin (lawless behavior) will take us farther than we want to go; It will keep us longer than we want to stay; It will cost us more than we want to pay.” The passing pleasures of sin aren’t worth it when we consider that our flesh and bones may end up being consumed, perhaps by a STD (Hebrews 11:25; Proverbs 5:11). With 700 wives and 300 concubines, King Solomon may have died this way.

He advised others to live wisely. But then he didn’t follow his own advice, and for a period of time lived in vanity while trying to please himself. He concluded, “Vanity of vanities, all [that I’ve done to please myself] is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Later he wrote, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Let’s learn from the mistakes of others (1 Corinthians 10:1-13).

Because Christians still have a sinful nature (1 John 1:8; Romans 7:15-25) and the potential to engage in all the lawless behavior that they engaged in before they were saved, the Apostle Paul warned believers to “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

God chose the Apostle Paul to be the steward (household manager) of the “Dispensation of Grace” in which we now live. He was the major contributor to “Grace Teachings” for New Testament Christians (Galatians 1:15-7; Ephesians 3:1-7). The Apostles Peter and John, along with James and Jude (the Lord’s half-brothers) supplement what Paul wrote to Christians.

Being forsaken by the believers in Asia Minor must have been very painful to Paul. But he knew that the Lord had not forsaken him. Perhaps he thought of the Psalmist’s words, “When my father and my mother [or other believers] forsake me, Then the LORD will take care of me” (Psalm 27:10). The writer of Hebrews wrote, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Even after claiming that they would never deny or abandon Him, Christ’s disciples forsook Him in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:56).

Until God takes us home to heaven by means of physical death or through the rapture, God has work for Christians to do (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10). We don’t (shouldn’t) retire from serving God; We won’t in heaven (Revelation 22:3). Christ wants to live out His life through the believer’s life (Galatians 2:20; 4:19). He wants us to be willing to be persecuted or even die for our faith, if necessary so others can be saved (2 Timothy 2:10; 3:12). Such believers can earn the “Crown of Life” (Revelation 2:10; James 1:12).

Jesus said, “You [disciples] did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you” (John 15:16). “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.

James, the Lord’s half brother wrote, “But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18). Question: If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? If not, why? What needs to change?

Older Christians, who have been through the “rough waters” or “storms of life” should assist Christians who are coming behind them (Galatians 6:2). “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). And remember – “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). God wants us to be victorious over our three spiritual enemies: the devil, our own sin nature, and the present world system.

I, personally, want to live the rest of my days on earth as though each day that God gives me to live might be my last day on earth, or the last day of someone I love or know. Our lives are like a vapor that soon passes away (James 4:14). Missionary C. T. Studd wrote, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be, If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”

At the “Bema Seat Judgment” for New Testament Christians, Jesus, the righteous Judge (John 5:22; 2 Timothy 4:8), will evaluate our works and our motives and reveal why we did what we did (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Were they done in keeping with the Holy Spirit’s leading in our lives (Romans 8:14), and with His power (Philippians 3:10; 4:13)? Were they done according to the rules that God set forth in His Word (2 Timothy 2:5; See Romans 3:8; 6:1)? Were they done according to the will of God (Acts 21:4-14)?  Did they bring glory to God or to us (1 Corinthians 10:31)?

Those works that don’t measure up to His standard will be burned up, but the believer will not lose his/her salvation (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). That’s amazing grace – unmerited favor from God. Have you experienced it yet (Ephesians 2:8, 9)?

If you consider yourself to be a relatively mature Christian, are you passing on what you’ve learned over the years to those who are coming behind you? Are you setting a good example for them? Think of your children and grandchildren if you have some.

If you haven’t placed your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day, now is the time to do so. You have no guarantee that you will be alive at the end of today.

We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16-4:8). If you have questions and/or comments, we can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

For additional information:

What’s Free – Earned? https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2018/07/12/whats-free-whats-earned/

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

Three Spiritual Enemies – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2021/07/08/the-blame-game/

Crowns & Rewards: – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2014/04/30/about-our-motives-part-1-2/

Be Like Jesus – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2022/01/07/be-like-jesus/

C. T. Studd – https://reasonsforhopejesus.com/only-one-life-twill-soon-be-past-by-c-t-studd-1860-1931/

Dispensations Chart – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2022/02/16/gospel-presentations/ https://www.kelseypeach.com/_files/ugd/08892a_ce5bb78881fa4f50a6c866dd9ab0adfe.pdf

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

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

Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

“The Blame Game”

The late comedian Flip Wilson (1933-1998), who often played the fictional, feisty, female role of Geraldine Jones, used to say, “The Devil made me to it,” and made his audiences laugh at his jokes.

But contrary to what many people think about the devil, he is a real person (a spirit being) who tempted Eve into eating the forbidden fruit, and then getting her husband, Adam to eat of it too. This is when all of man’s problems began. Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the devil instead of taking personal responsibility for their own behavior. But the sin nature we inherited from them, through our parents, is responsible for most of our lawless (sinful) behavior today. But what is sin?

“Sin is lawlessness.” 1 John 3:4

God determines what sin is and what isn’t. He makes the requirement(s) for salvation and for daily living. [1]

Sin is against God, and acting as though He hasn’t placed any restrictions on us.

“Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin / Each victory will help you or some others to win.
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue / Look ever to Jesus and He’ll carry you through…”

Al Green

To Be Delivered From Eternal Condemnation, An Unsaved Person Must –

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for his/her sins, Who was buried,

and Who rose again bodily on the third day, and he/she will be saved.”

Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Ephesians 2:8, 9

Memorize & Meditate On This Often

Sin will take you farther than you want to go.

Sin will keep you longer than you want to stay.

Sin will cost you more than you want to pay.

Our Response To Trials And Temptations

“My brethren [fellow Christians], count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires [lusts] and enticed. Then, when desire [lust] has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” – James 1:2-8, 12-15

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13

God doesn’t want His children to sin. But He knows that we will sin periodically.

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. 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

When we [Christians] sin, we need to “… confess our sins [to God the Father]. When we do this, “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9 [2]

As Christians, Our Temptations To Sin Come From Three Sources: [3]

The Devil [4]

To overcome the temptations that the devil hurls at believers, we must be sober and vigilant (1 Peter 5:8). Then we must submit to God and resist the devil after the whole armor of God has been put on mentally (James 4:7; Ephesians 6:10-17). It is our understanding that there are 14 specific temptations that the devil and/or demons hurl at our minds. Each piece of the armor is designed to counteract specific temptations.

Our Own Sin Nature [5]

To overcome the temptations that come from our sin nature, a believer must understand that the works of the flesh are all perversions of good things (Galatians 5:19-21). But as long as a believer walks (orders his/her life) by means of God the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to succumb to the temptations that come from the sin nature. We must “reckon [ourselves] to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:11; Galatians 5:16, 25). We are told to flee youthful lusts (2 Timothy 2:22). God doesn’t want our sin nature to have dominion over us (Romans 6:14; See 1 John 2:1 ff). Those Christians who deny that they have a sin nature are deceiving themselves, not others (1 John 1:8; Romans 7:15-25).

The World System

To overcome the temptations from the present world system, we must first identify it as to what it is. It is a system, devised by the devil to appeal to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride (vain glory) of life (1 John 2:15-17). It involves urbanization, human government, commerce, entertainment, education, industry, and senseless warfare (Genesis 4:16-24; See Luke 11:50, 51). While living here on earth, a believer may use the world system, but he/she is not to abuse it or love it by making it more important than God and His children (1 Corinthians 7:31; 1 John 2:15-17; 3:16, 17). We are citizens of heaven and we’re just passing through it on our way to heaven (Philippians 3:20).

We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2,15; 3:16, 17). If you have questions/comments, we invite you to contact us through our website at www.kelseypeach.com. Please SHARE this with others.

[1] Requirement(s) for salvation and for living. Go to www.kelseypeach.com and click on “The Good News & The Bad News” Also see – Understanding The Times Bible Study Book Marker – Dispensations

[2] Confession – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/when-we-sin-what/

[3] Three Spiritual Enemies –

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/category/spiritual-enemies/

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/03/22/tested-and-tried-daily/

[4] Satanic Attacks: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2016/02/12/spiritual-warfare/

https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2017/03/17/our-adversary-the-devil/

[5] Our Sin Nature – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2010/08/27/our-perverted-sin-nature/

Instructions for Christians to overcome the sin nature –

Romans 6, 7 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%206-7&version=NKJV

Scripture verses taken from the New King James Version.

Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved.

Recommended Reading:

Dr. H. L. Schafer, “Maturing In Christ” http://gracelifebaptistchurch.us/publications.php

Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer, “He That Is Spiritual” https://www.amazon.com/s?k=he+that+is+spiritual+chafer&ref=nb_sb_noss_2