A Legacy Of Faith

As the Apostle Paul lingered in the Mamertine Prison (?) in Rome, awaiting his imminent death, he wrote an encouraging letter to his son-in-the-faith, Timothy with these words, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

He wanted Timothy to share “…the things that [he had] heard from [Paul] among many witnesses, [and to] commit [the Word of God] to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). Not everyone is faithful, or teachable and willing to change and grow spiritually.

By the grace and mercy of God, I have lived more years here on earth (81) than my father, or both of my grandfathers have. “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years” (Psalm 90:10 NASB20).

As my father set an example for me, it is my desire to “finish my race in life well.” I can’t change my past. But I can do something about today and tomorrow if God grants the time to me.

I try to treat each day as though it might be my last day on earth. I want the Lord’s approval when He evaluates the works I did on this earth (2 Corinthians 5:9, 10). I want to leave a “legacy of faith” for my children and my grandchildren.

Over the years I’ve written many articles, made some video messages, and have had the privilege of sharing the Word of God with people in the local churches I’ve pastored.

I want the people whom I encounter in life to hear or read the Good News (Gospel) about the Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily from the dead so they too can be saved from eternal condemnation in hell to everlasting life with God in heaven. Then I want to assist believers so they can grow and become spiritually mature and reproduce themselves.

Below are some links that I hope will help you so you can help and encourage others too (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).

If you have questions and/or comments, we can be reached through our website or through our FB page.

Wm. Kelsey Pietsch

www.kelseypeach.com

www.kelseypeach.wordpress.com

https://www.facebook.com/kelseyandjanet.pietsch

https://www.youtube.com/@kelseypietsch1939

* * * * * * * * *

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

A Bible Panorama – Adapted from Dr. John White: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2022/12/18/bible-panorama/

A FREE Bible Study Book Marker – (Includes how to be saved and then grow spiritually.) (https://www.kelseypeach.com/_files/ugd/08892a_ce5bb78881fa4f50a6c866dd9ab0adfe.pdf

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

The Order Of Coming Events (My Understanding) – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2016/02/20/the-order-of-coming-events-2/

My Personal Testimony – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2023/11/25/my-personal-testimony-wm-kelsey-pietsch/

The Gospel Mandate

Friend, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for all our sins (once and for all) …and rose again bodily on the third day, and you will be saved from hell to heaven (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).

If you’ve never done this before, do it NOW! Once you’ve done this, contact us for more information so we can help you grow spiritually.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version

Copyright c. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved

Angelic Body Guards

Extremely wealthy people, famous celebrities, and some politicians often hire body guards to protect them. In spite of this, many of them live in constant fear of dying or suffering at the hands of evil people. Most of us can’t afford to hire such body guards.

But did you know that Christian’s have angelic body guards? This doesn’t guarantee that we won’t suffer or die at the hands of others, but we can be assured of God’s never failing love for us (Romans 8:38, 39). We cannot and will not suffer or die without Jesus’ permission and according to His timing (Read Psalm 23; 34:7). Today He holds the “keys of death” (Revelation 1:18; See Hebrews 2:14). There are no “accidents,” only “incidents” in the Christian’s life. How we respond to them is very important (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:20).

Did you know that there are good angels who are “ministering spirits sent forth to minister [i.e., serve “pre-Christians”] who will inherit salvation” [as a result of believing in/on Christ alone through the Gospel] (Hebrews 1:14; See John 6:37)? We don’t know who these people are, where they live, what language they speak, or when they will put their faith and trust in Christ alone, (and not in their good works), but they are out there among us.

The Apostle Paul believed this and thus engaged in the work of evangelism (2 Timothy 2:8-10; 1 Corinthians 9:16-18; Acts 18:9, 10). He encouraged Timothy and us to do the same (2 Timothy 4:5; See Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15).

If you’ve been saved, are you asking God to use you to share the clear Gospel with lost people so they can be saved? Would you like to become a better witness for the Lord, and have a part in their salvation, (perhaps a family member, a friend, or a fellow worker), or do you expect “Clerical George” to do the work for you, which could result in your not receiving the “Crown of Rejoicing” that God intended for you to have (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20; See Revelation 3:11)? [1]

Examples of Angelic Protection

(See Hebrews 11)

For Elisha. “And Elisha [the Prophet] prayed, and said, ‘LORD, I pray, open [my servant’s] eyes that he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man [who was fearful of the enemy army], and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:17). Elisha later died and was buried and another miracle happened (See 2 Kings 13:20, 21).

For Jesus. As Jesus was about to be arrested by His enemies in the Garden of Gethsemane, He said to His disciples, “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels” (Matthew 26:53)? However, He didn’t ask His Father for them because it was part of “God’s Decree” that He should die a horrible death on a cross (Psalm 22:1 ff) for our sins, and then rise again bodily from the dead on the third day (Ephesians 1:11). Had His enemies known that by crucifying Him, they were providing a Savior for all mankind, they wouldn’t have done it (1 Corinthians 2:8; Acts 4:10-28). That is how much they hate God and His rules. (See Psalm 2; John 3:18-20.)

For Peter. “Now behold, [as Peter was scheduled to be murdered by King Herod, as James was], an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, ‘Arise quickly!’ And his chains fell off his hands…. “And when Peter had come to himself, he said, ‘Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.’” (Acts 12:7, 11). He later died as a Christian martyr. [2]

The Story of John G. Patton

One of the most often recounted stories about angels helping believers involves this missionary, who ministered in the New Hebrides islands. One evening, John and his wife were surrounded by hostile natives who were intent on burning the Pattons’ hut and killing the missionaries.

John Paton says he and his wife spent a terror-filled evening desperately praying for God’s supernatural deliverance. When daylight came, John says they looked out the window–and mysteriously the hostile natives had disappeared.

About a year later, the chief of that tribe was converted to faith in Christ. And John Paton, remembering what had happened that evening, asked the chief why they did not attack them that night. The chief seemed surprised and said it was because of the men who were surrounding the hut.

Perplexed, John said, “There were no men surrounding our hut.” The chief insisted, “Oh, yes, there were. We saw hundreds of men in bright, shining garments standing before your hut with swords drawn ready to protect you. We didn’t dare invade.”

John Paton said at that moment he began to understand the delivering power of angels. The chief agreed there was no other possible explanation.

Our Story

“Every day, you and I have things that happen in our lives that can only be explained through the presence and the working of angels. Angels are a very real power in our world today. And although the Bible is clear that we are never to substitute the worship of angels for the worship of Jesus Christ [Colossians 2:8; Revelation 22:8, 9], understanding the reality and the ministry of angels helps us to more fully appreciate how much God really loves us and how He is working in our lives every day.” – Robert Jeffress [3]

Thank God. Perhaps we’ll never know how often our guardian angels have kept us from harm and danger, but we should thank God for them (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-4). Furthermore, God heals all our diseases except the last one which terminates our time on earth and enables us to go home to heaven to be forever with the Lord which is far better (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23). “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15). We sorrow not as unbelievers who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Martyrs

Throughout history God has allowed many believers to suffer and die as martyrs, as he did with James and Christ’s other disciples, although John was an exception. [2] This demonstrates to unbelievers how much we love God and that we don’t fear death. We have hope beyond the grave (1 Corinthians 15:19). It’s based on promises from God who cannot lie (John 14:1-3; Titus 1:2). [4]

The “Crown of Life” will be given to Christian martyrs and to those who resist temptations up to the point of death, if necessary (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).

God’s Love for believers will never be withdrawn (Romans 8:38, 39; See Hebrews 11:36-40). Even the death of His children can result in His glory and the salvation of others. (Stephen’s testimony before his death by stoning probably was instrumental in the Apostle Paul’s being saved. Read Acts chapter 7.)

Our Substitute

Christ died for our sins, was buried for three days and three nights, and then rose again bodily from the dead so all mankind could be saved if they place their faith and trust in Him alone for their salvation (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8, 9). Have you done this yet? If not, why not now? Do you have assurance of your salvation? You can. (Read Romans 8:16; 1 John 5:13). [5]

Contact

If you would like additional spiritual help, we can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com or our FB page. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

[1] Evangelism Helps – www.evantell.org

[2] Christian Martyrs – https://www.ccel.org/f/foxe/martyrs/home.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/apostles-die.html

[3] Robert Jeffress – https://ptv.org/devotional/how-do-angels-help-us/

[4] Promises For Christians – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/01/promises-for-christians-to-claim-2/

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

Scripture taken from the New King James Version

Copyright c. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

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/

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.

“Blind, But Not Bitter”

You might think that she would have lived her life as a bitter woman because a “Doctor” gave here the wrong medication which caused her to go blind at a very young age (six weeks old). But instead, with the help of her godly grandmother, who taught her about God and His Word, she allowed the Lord to use her “handicap” to bless the lives of countless others through the six thousand Gospel songs she wrote. Included in the list were these: “Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine,” “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour,” and “Rescue The Perishing.”

“Rescue The Perishing” was written after she had met a young, blue collar worker at one of her speaking engagements. During her talk, she felt compelled to ask, “If there is a dear boy here tonight who has perchance wandered away from his mother’s home and his mother’s teaching, please come at the end of the service and talk to me.”

When the meeting was over, a young man (18 years old) approached her. “Did you mean me?” he asked. “I promised my mother that I would meet her in heaven, but the way I have been living, I don’t think that will be possible now.” This blind lady then had the joy of leading that young man to Christ. Upon returning to her room that night, all she could think about was the theme “Rescue The Perishing.” (See Jude 1:22, 23). So she wrote the words to the song we often sing in church. [1]

“Rescue the perishing.” God the Father loved the people of this world who had sinned (acted lawlessly) against Him (John 3:16; See 1 John 3:4). He wanted to rescue us so that we wouldn’t have to spend eternity in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels/demons (1 Timothy 2:4; Matthew 25:41, 46). He saw us in a desperate condition. To make this deliverance possible, One of the members in the Godhead needed to come down to this earth (Philippians 2:5-11), add to His deity at true human nature and a real body (John 1:1-18; Hebrews 10:7, 9). He needed to be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23), and live a sinless life Himself (Hebrews 4:15). Then He would need to die as our Substitute to satisfy God’s outraged holiness against our sin nature and our sins/acts of lawlessness (1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 2:2, 4:10). So God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ volunteered to die for our sins. But without His bodily resurrection from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:17), He wouldn’t be able to save to the uttermost those who would come to Him by faith (Hebrews 7:25; 11:6). That is why He rose again from the dead and now sits at God the Father’s right hand in heaven (Romans 4:25; Colossians 3:1).

“Care for the dying.” Not only are we all dying physically a little bit each day, every baby who comes into this world is born spiritually dead and separated from God (Ephesians 2:1). We all need to be “born again from above” (John 3:3-7; 1 Peter 1:23). Being born of Christian parents doesn’t guarantee our salvation. God has no grandchildren. It’s an individual decision we must make for ourselves – Believe in/on Him as our personal Savior, or reject Him and His offer of salvation. Why would anyone do this? Could it be because they love darkness rather than light (John 1:12; 3:19). What about you?

“Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave.” God looks with grace, mercy, and pity on us sinners and has done everything necessary for us to be saved and to live a godly, Christian life (2 Peter 1:3, 4). No amount of good works can save us (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). All we need to do is “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day, and we will be saved” (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Have you done this yet? If not, why not trust in Him right now?

“Weep o’er the erring one.” So few Christians ever weep for lost people as Jesus did when He looked over the city of Jerusalem and said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37; See Romans 9:1-3). Jude, the Lord’s half-brother wrote: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh” (Jude 1:20-23). Has your love for God, for other Christians, and for lost people grown cold or indifferent (John 13:34, 35; 1 John 3:16, 17; Revelation 2:4)? If it has, renew it and let God live His life through your life (Romans 5:5; Galatians 2:20).

“Lift up the fallen.” We’ve all fallen into sin and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). As Jesus cast out a demon from a young man and lifted up him up (Mark 9:17-27), so may we be in a position to lift up the fallen and…

“Tell them of Jesus.” Jesus said, “I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Jesus is the only One who can save us eternally (Acts 4:12). The false Christs and a false gospel message leads to everlasting destruction (2 Corinthians 11:4, 13-15). False teachers “are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever” (Jude 1:12, 13).

“The mighty to save.” Jesus, along with the other two Members in the Godhead, is the omnipotent God (Revelation 1:8), who created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1- 3; Colossians 1:15-17). There is no one whom He can’t save no matter how bad a person has been. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 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; See 1 John 3:4-9). When we place our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone to be saved, we are judicially forgiven (Ephesians 1:7) and cannot be condemned (Romans 8:1). Family forgiveness is based on a Christian’s honest confession of his/her sins to God the Father (1 John 1:9).

Feeling Useless? Fanny Crosby, [2] the blind author of this song and many of the other hymns we still sing, might have thought at one time that maybe God couldn’t use someone like her for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). But she didn’t allow the devil to defeat her and become bitter or to have an unforgiving spirit toward the “Doctor” who was responsible for her being blind (Hebrews 12:15; See Ephesians 6:17). Once she was saved, she dedicated her life to God (Romans 12:1, 2), and He used her in a mighty way to bless others (See 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4).

Do you feel like God couldn’t possibly use you (See Ephesians 3:20; 1 Peter 4:10)? If so, consider these Bible characters whom God used for His glory:

Noah got 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 was a womanizer, Rahab was a prostitute, Jeremiah and Timothy were too young, David was an adulterer and a murderer, Elijah was suicidal, 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 a blasphemer and a murderer, Timothy had an ulcer, and Lazarus was dead! [3]

Application. All of us have challenges, hardships, trials, and testings in this life that could easily cause us to become bitter, angry, rebellious, cynical, and hateful toward others who have hurt us. But we’re not alone (1 Corinthians 10:13). Think for a moment about those who have hurt you deeply or let you down in life. Have they treated you as badly and as often as you’ve treated God? Has God forgiven you? If you’ve been forgiven, then why are you unwilling to forgive others (See Matthew 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:32)?

If you are a true Christian, is your bad attitude (B.A.) keeping you from having and exhibiting the nine parts of the “Fruit of the Spirt” (Galatians 5:22, 23) in your life? Are you looking for an opportunity to take vengeance into your own hands (Romans 12:19-21)? How is your bad attitude affecting the unsaved people around you? Do you grumble, gripe, and complain often in their hearing as the children of Israel did while they were in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:1-12)? Are you suffering physically or mentally and about to die prematurely because of your rebellious, and unforgiving spirit (See 1 Corinthians 11:30; James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16; 1 Samuel 15:23)? Do you know that God wants us, as believers, to bless and pray for those who persecute us (Romans 12:14; Matthew 5:44)? Is honest confession to God and others (if necessary) in order (1 John 1:9; James 5:16; Proverbs 28:13)?

When we are tempted by the devil to be bitter or have an unforgiving spirit, we need to put on the whole “armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-17). The “helmet of salvation” is the piece of the armor that helps us overcome these two temptations (Ephesians 6:17).

If you are saved, and rightly related to God the Holy Spirit (1 John 1:9; Galatians 5:16, 25; Ephesians 5:18), you are in a position to help someone who has a bad attitude (B.A.) and take part in adjusting his/her thinking before sin is involved (Galatians 6:1 ff; 1 John 3:4). You could keep a person from dying prematurely (1 John 5:15; James 5:19, 20) so he/she can live a productive life for the glory of God and good of others.

“One ship sails east

One ship sails west

Regardless of how the winds blow.

It is the set of the sail

And not the gale

That determines the way we go.”

Charles R. Swindoll [4]

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change if necessary (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). If you have questions and/or comments, we can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If this has helped you, please SHARE it with others.

[1] “Rescue The Perishing” story. Robert J. Morgan, “Then Sings My Soul” Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN, p. 175

[2] Fanny Crosby https://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/bcrosby15.html

[3] https://www.jollynotes.com/biblical-examples-of-imperfect-people-god-used-in-the-bible/

[4] Charles R. Swindoll, Laugh Again, Word Publishing, Dallas, 1992, p. 34

“Bad News & Good News” https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/the-bad-news-the-good-news/

Music Video: Rescue The Perishing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMFRt2aLuMI

*Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.  Used by permission. All rights reserved.

“Demon Possessed Or Oppressed?”

Recently I had a man, who lives in another state, whom I had led to the Lord for salvation several years ago, call me to tell me about a frightening experience he had. In the middle of the night he felt like he was being attacked mentally by the devil or demons. He wanted to know what the Scriptures have to say about such things. I pointed out to him from the Bible that while Christians can’t be “demon possessed” (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; John 14:23; 1 John 4:4 ) they can be “demon oppressed” (1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:10-17; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; Acts 10:38). Maybe you, or someone you know, has had such an experience yourself. If so, read on. God’s Word offers hope.

Thoughts. This is where the devil or demons usually attack Christians (Ephesians 6:10-17; See 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Corinthians 2:11). Thankfully they need permission from God to tempt us (Luke 22:31; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 6:13). It might be for us to be bitter toward God and blame Him or someone else because of a bad experience we’ve had in life (Hebrews 12:14, 15), or they might tempt us to have an unforgiving spirit toward someone who has hurt us deeply, whether it be physically, emotionally, or mentally (2 Corinthians 2:10, 11).

Language. The devil or demons also can tempt believers to engage in filthy speech (Ephesians 4:27-29). “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45; See James 3:10; Ephesians 4:15).

Personalize. Has someone hurt you very badly? Are you looking for an opportunity to take vengeance on him/her? If so, this bad attitude will eat you up and hurt you far more than the person whom you want to hurt. Maturing, spiritual Christians can/should help such believers so they don’t let the trespass become a sin (Galatians 6:1-4; See Ephesians 2:1). “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19). Do you really believe that God will do this for you in His time and in His way?

Tools. Here is a strange question. Have you ever given thanks for the person who hurt you (1 Timothy 2:1) or considered that God may want to use him/her as a hammer, chisel, saw, or sandpaper to help conform you into Christ’s image (Romans 8:29; 12:1, 2)? If you’re a Christian, do you have and are you displaying the “Fruit of the Spirt” toward that individual? (Read Galatians 5:22, 23.) How might the Lord Himself act and/or react if He were standing in your place (Philippians 2:5 ff)? Are you suffering for doing what is right or for something wrong (1 Peter 2:19 ff; 4:12 ff; Philippians 1:29)? Is confession in order (1 John 1:9; James 5:16; Proverbs 28:13)?

Torture. Christians who have an unforgiving spirit or bitterness in their heart can be afflicted by the torturers (Matthew 18:21-35). This could involve demonic oppression and torment (Examples: King Saul who wanted to kill David – 1 Samuel 16:14, 23; 19:9; Satanically ensnared Christians – 2 Timothy 2:24-26). Keep this in mind. No one has ever wronged us to the same degree that we have wronged and sinned against God. “Sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). God wants His children to “… be kind to one another, tenderhearted, [graciously] forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32; 1:7; See Luke 23:34; 1 Corinthians 2:8). Are you doing this? If not, why?

Forgiveness. Let’s back up some. At the time of our salvation we are judicially forgiven once for all (Ephesians 1:7; See Romans 8:1). But we need family forgiveness when we sin as God’s children so we can get back in fellowship with Him (1 John 1:5-10). When God forgives us He doesn’t remember our sins against us (Ezekiel 33:16), but He doesn’t forget what we did because He is omniscient (Isaiah 46:10; John 2:24; Psalm 139). He will usually allow us to be tempted again in the same area to give us another opportunity to display either our love for Him or for our love of the pleasure we derive from engaging in a particular sin (1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 John 2:15-17; Hebrews 11:25; James 1:12). We have a choice to make – to sin and grieve God (Ephesians 4:30) or to gain victory and please God (2 Corinthians 5:9). There is a “sin unto [a premature, physical] death” that defiant Christians can commit (1 Corinthians 11:30; James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16; Proverbs 29:1).

Carnality. The Christians in the church at Corinth were told to disassociate themselves from the “Christian man” who had been committing incest with his mother and to “deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh” (1 Corinthians 5:1-8; See Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Timothy 1:20). Apparently, after they did this, he repented (changed his mind) and confessed his sins to God and to the church (2 Corinthians 2:1-11; 1 John 1:9; James 5:16). Once he did this, the Apostle Paul admonished them to forgive him and take him back into their fellowship. If they refused to do this, he warned them about the devil’s attempt to take advantage of them and cause them to be “demonically oppressed” (2 Corinthians 2:1-11). Are you Satanically oppressed or ensnared right now (2 Timothy 2:24-26)?

Attacks. When Satan, or more likely a demon, attacks our minds with any of these particular temptations: to have an unforgiving spirit, to be bitter, disappointed, discouraged, or to act cowardly, we must put on the whole armor of God and focus our attention on the “helmet of salvation” to overcome them (Ephesians 6:17). We need to think about all the spiritual blessings we have in our “salvation package” (Ephesians 1:3 ff).

Biblical Meditation. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, … noble, … just, … pure, … lovely, … of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Are you doing this? If not, with God’s help why not start now?

Song. “O soul are you weary and troubled? / No light in the darkness you see? / There’s light for a look at the Savior / And life more abundant and free / Turn you eyes upon Jesus / Look full in His wonderful face / And the things of earth will grow strangely dim / In the light of His glory and grace.” – Helen Lemmel

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change if necessary (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If you’d like to get new articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” Please SHARE this with others.

Gospel. If you’re not saved yet, please read this article carefully: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/the-bad-news-the-good-news/

“Popular With Whom?”

Philippians 1:27-30

Most of us want to be liked and accepted by others. We spend a lot of time, effort, and money to make others like us. Just think about how much money we could save if everyone were blind and couldn’t appreciate the clothes we wear, or the cars we drive, or the houses in which we live.

Most people want to be part of the “in crowd.” But what price are we willing to pay to be popular and accepted? Are we willing to “go along to get along” even if it violates the clear teachings of the Word of God and our consciences? Does it mean anything to you that you grieve God when you sin – act lawlessly (Ephesians 4:30; 1 John 3:4)? Are we willing to be unpopular with the world’s crowd so that we can be well pleasing to God (2 Corinthians 5:9; See Psalm 1)?

The Apostle Paul realized that preaching or teaching in the abstract and in generalities to no one in particular resulted in weak Christians. The truth that is found in God’s Word must be presented clearly and simply to others who, in turn, need to apply it to their every day lives. He told Timothy to “Preach [proclaim] the word! Be ready in season and out of seasons. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and teaching.” (Find out why in 2 Timothy 4:2-5). James, the Lord’s half brother wrote, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 2:23).

In his brief letter to the church in Philippi, Paul expressed his desire for them to live, to stand, to strive, to be fearless, and to suffer for the cause of Christ if necessary (Philippians 1:27-30; See 2 Timothy 3:12). Let’s think about these things for a few minutes.

Live. (v. 27a) When God saves us as a result of our believing in/on the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day, He begins the process of conforming us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29; 12:1, 2). This involves our cooperation with God. In another letter, the Apostle Paul instructed believers to put off their carnal way of thinking that often results in unbecoming, sinful (lawless) behavior that can have detrimental consequences in the physical, emotional, and spiritual realms. Then he told believers to put on other things that display Christ like behavior (See Colossians 3:5-17; Galatians 5:22, 23).

Quote. “A good place to learn to be Christ like is when we encounter the little complaints which people have. We cannot mature unless we have occasions and provocations that disturb us. Every big thing is made up of a lot of little things.” – Dr. H. L. Schafer

Consistency. Even though we’ve been saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ, we still retain our sinful nature that we inherited from our parents (Psalm 51:5; 1 John 1:8; Romans 7:15-25). We still have the potential to behave like unsaved people when we act carnally (1 Corinthians 3:1 ff; 5:1 ff) or yield to the temptations that come from the devil/demons or from the world system. But when God saved us, we became partakers of the Divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), and have the potential to live a life that pleases God (2 Corinthians 5:9; See Romans 8:8). Paul wanted believers to learn to lean on the Lord for strength to do the things He wants us to do. It’s available to all Christians (Philippians 3:10; 4:13). A consistent, godly life has a tremendous impact on others around us. But an inconsistent, hypocritical life brings disgrace to God’s name which could result in our being chastened severely by the Lord (Hebrews 12:5 ff; 2 Samuel 12:14). When a believer sins, he/she needs to confess the sin(s) to God the Father and then claim His forgiveness (1 John 1:9; James 5:16; Proverbs 28:13; Psalm 51:13).

Stand. (v. 27b) All around us a spiritual battle is raging for the control of the mind, emotions, and actions of mankind including Christians (Ephesians 6:10-17; 1 John 4:4; 5:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 10:5). But the Good News concerning Christ’s death for our sins and His bodily resurrection must be proclaimed if people are to be saved (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8; Romans 1:16, 17; 10:9-17). When was the last time you shared the “Clear Gospel” with an unsaved person? Do you really care about lost people? If not, ask God to stir you up His love in your heart (Romans 5:5; Revelation 2:4). Are you helping Christians stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-17)?

Unity. In His High Priestly prayer, Jesus expressed His desire that true believers be united in their objective of glorifying God and loving one another (John 17:21; See Ephesians 4:4; John 13:34, 35). Sometimes it’s very difficult to know who the true Christians are and who are only “professing Christians.” God knows those who are His, but we can only make an evaluation of a person by his/her beliefs and behavior (John 10:27; James 2:18-20). We are not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). Disobedient Christians, who engage in habitual, sinful conduct/lawlessness (1 John 3:4-9), will be disciplined by God (1 Corinthians 11:30-32; James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16), and need to be shunned by other believers until repentance and confession have been made (2 Thessalonians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 5:1 ff; 2 Corinthians 2:1-11; Ephesians 4:32; 1 John 1:9; James 5:16).

Strive. (v. 27c) Too many Christians are not focused on the things that God wants us to think about and do (Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:1 ff). We have Good News for people who are dying physically and who are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1). Getting this information to them may cost us our lives. Jesus laid down His life so we could be saved (1 Peter 3:18; John 10:10-18), and Paul endured all things for the salvation of the elect (2 Timothy 2:10; 2 Corinthians 11:23-33). In like manner we should be willing to follow their examples in an effort to reach the lost and edify believers. The “Crown of Rejoicing” awaits Christians who are involved in leading others to Christ so they can be saved (1 Thessalonians 2;19, 20). The “Crown of Glory” is given to those who shepherd God’s flock God’s way (1 Peter 5:4).  This involves feeding, leading, guarding, and healing God’s flock of sheep.

Problems. The devil is delighted when the Gospel is not clearly presented to unbelievers and when Christians are confused about how they are supposed to live holy and godly lives (1 Peter 1:15, 16), once they have been saved (2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 6:10-17; Get our FREE Dispensations Chart).  All of the Bible is for us, but not all of it is addressed to us (Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17).  Far too many Christians never share the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4) with lost people, and some add to it or subtract from it and cause others to believe in vain by adding good works to faith in Christ alone (1 Corinthians 15:2; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5).

Fearless. (v. 28a) All believers need to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He and demons are real and they are enemies of God and would like to overthrow God and overwhelm His children. Paul reminded Timothy that “…God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). John, the Apostle, reminds us that “[we] are of God, little children, and have overcome them [those with the spirit of antichrist], because He [God] who is in [us] is greater than he [the devil] who is in the world” (1 John 4:4; See Ephesians 2:2). Nothing can happen to a true child of God without God’s permission. True Christians have confidence in God’s ability to raise the dead and give them a better life in heaven if they are killed (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52).

Doomed. (v. 28a) All those who reject God’s offer of salvation that is available to all mankind, will be cast into the lake of fire to suffer forever in accordance to their works done on earth (John 3:16, 18, 36; Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; Revelation 20:10-15; 21:8). Where will you spend eternity?

Reproof. God the Holy Spirit reproves (convinces) unsaved people of the sin of unbelief in Christ, their need of Christ’s righteousness to enter heaven, and the ultimate judgment to come on them as it will on the devil and his angels/demons (John 16:8-11). There are no second chances or opportunities to be saved from the lake of fire after an unbeliever dies (Hebrews 9:27).

Resurrection. Christ’s bodily resurrection from the dead guarantees the resurrection of all human beings who die (1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 51, 52; Hebrews 9:27). Do you know in which one you will participate if you should die? The Scriptures don’t teach the annihilation of the wicked or reincarnation as some cults and religions teach.

Suffer. (v, 29). While true Christians will not go into or through the seven years of the Tribulation (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:13-18; 5:9; See Daniel 9:27), all Christians who desire to live godly lives will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). The Gospel is offensive to proud men and women who think the can save themselves by their good works (1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Peter 2:8; Ephesians 2:8, 9).

Quote. “We who preach [proclaim] the Gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world…We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not compromise but ultimatum.” – A. W. Tozer

Help. We’re here to assist you and others who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). If you’re a true Christian, we’d like to ask you to take this information and pass it on to other people who are teachable and willing to change.  To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” Join us on “Facebook” and “Youtube” for our Bible studies. We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

Share. We’d like you to memorize this short Gospel presentation and share it with unbelievers as God the Holy Spirit leads you: “Friend, you have sinned. But Christ died for sinners and rose again. Trust Him alone and He will save you eternally. Do it now!” – Dr. Manfred Kober [1]

[1] Manfred Kober, Do We Really Know The Gospel? – https://www.manfredkober.com/materials/FP/1993_0201_Do%20We%20Really%20Know%20the%20Gospel.pdf

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

FREE Bible Study Book Marker – https://www.kelseypeach.com/_files/ugd/08892a_ce5bb78881fa4f50a6c866dd9ab0adfe.pdf

Test And Tried Daily – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/03/22/tested-and-tried-daily/

The Gospel Mandate

   Friend, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for all our sins (once and for all) …and rose again bodily on the third day, and you will be saved from hell to heaven (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).

   If you’ve never done this before, do it NOW! Once you’ve done this, contact us for more information so we can help you grow spiritually.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version

Copyright c. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved