The Indwelling Holy Spirit

The moment a person, whether young or older, places his/her faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for our sins, was buried, and rose again bodily on the third day, he/she is saved from eternal condemnation(Romans 8:1) and receives eternal life – God’s quality of life (John 3:16; 5:24; 1 John 5:13). There are about 33 wonderful things that take place at the time of one’s salvation. [1]

The body of the believer becomes a temple of God the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19) who indwells every Christian (John 14:17). He begins His ministry of energizing the new believer to engage in the good works that were planned by God for him/her to do (Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:13; 4:13). Most new Christians are excited to share their new found faith with others even when persecuted (Acts 4:20; 8:4 ff).

Sadly, as time moves on, and as opposition mounts from the devil and his crowd, or from carnal Christians (1 Corinthians 3:1 ff), he/she becomes intimidated and fearful and backs off from doing this as Timothy did (2 Timothy 1:7). Even maturing Christians periodically succumb to the devil’s temptation to play the role of a coward as it was with the Apostles Peter and Paul (Luke 22:31-33; Acts 18:9, 10; 1 Corinthians 2:3). The “helmet of salvation” must be used to counterattack this temptation (Ephesians 6:17).

Since doing the good works that God planned for a believer to do are related to God’s desirous will, rather than to God’s determinative will, the believer may or may not engage in them (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10). When we know to do good, and don’t do it, it becomes a sin to us (James 4:17). God the Holy Spirit doesn’t lead every Christian the same way (Romans 8:14; John 21:21, 22 – Example: Peter and John).

When a Christian follows the leading of the Holy Spirit, and uses his/her spiritual gift with “agape” love (Galatians 5:13; 1 Corinthians 13), he/she will be rewarded with crowns and praise from the Lord Jesus Christ at the Bema Seat Judgment (1 Corinthians 3:9-15; 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

Spiritual fruit will begin to be evident in a believer’s life (John 15:1-8). This fruit could 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). [2]

Before Christ returns at the Rapture for all New Testament believers as He promised (John 14:1-3), all those whom God the Father has given to the Son (John 6:37, 44), must be saved and made part of the spiritual “Body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12, 13), and do some praiseworthy works which will be rewarded at the Bema Seat Judgment (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 4:5). Guardian angels are involved in this too (Hebrews 1:14).

These people may not be saved the first time they hear the Gospel message of Christ’s death and resurrection for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Saul/Paul didn’t believe on Christ when he heard Stephen’s message but he did get saved and was baptized/immersed after his encounter with Him on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians (Acts 7:58; 9:1-18). Some sow the seed of the Gospel, others water it, but God gives the increase and saves people (1 Corinthians 3:5, 6). “Salvation is of the Lord” (Jonah 2:9).

The believer’s receiving crowns and rewards will be based on proper motives for service (1 Corinthians 4:5; 13:1 ff), if they were done in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:8, 14; Philippians 4:13), if they were in keeping with the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:5), according to the will of God (Acts 21:8-13), and if they were done for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

The five crowns that Christians can earn will be cast at Christ’s feet when we meet Him face to face (1 John 3:2). This will be an expression of our appreciation to Him for saving us by His amazing grace (Revelation 4:10).

Every Christian can/should have a part in being a faithful witness for the Lord (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15), and sharing the Gospel clearly (1 Corinthians 15:1- 4) with lost people so they can be saved (Romans 10:9-17). Don’t get discouraged as the Apostle Paul once did at Corinth (Acts 18:9, 10; 1 Corinthians 2:3).

Even though they are invited, most people won’t come to Christ, the Light of the world (John 8:12), and be saved because they love darkness rather than light (John 3:19). “To [some people] we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to [other people] we are the aroma of life leading to life” (2 Corinthians 2:16). The “Crown of Rejoicing” awaits the believers who have a part in the salvation of others (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20).

Questions: Have you placed your faith and trust in Christ alone and been saved from eternal condemnation (Romans 8:1)? Are you grieving and/or quenching God the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19)? Is the “Fruit of the Spirit” being produced and evident in your life (Galatians 5:22, 23)? If not, why? Are you directing it properly (See 1 John 2:15-17; 3:16, 17)?

Help. 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 and/or comments, contact us here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

SHARE. If you found this article to be helpful, please SHARE it with others.

[1] See Dr. L. S. Chafer’s “Systematic Theology” Vol. 3, pp. 234 ff

[2] See Dr. Charles Ryrie’s book, “So Great Salvation” p. 50

Clear Gospel Presentations:

Dr. Manfred Kober: https://faith.edu/faith-news/do-we-really-know-the-gospel/

Dr. Ron Shea: http://www.cleargospel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/English/English-Display-Pkg-2014.pdf

Dr. R. Larry Moyer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUe9ZgADBNQ

Dr. J. B. Hixon: “Getting The Gospel Wrong” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA9gbZzo8QA

“The Bad News & The Good News”

ON A BIG SCREEN

This Is Your Life was an American reality documentary series  broadcast on NBC radio from 1948 to 1952, and on NBC TV from 1952 to 1961. It was originally hosted by its creator and producer Ralph Edwards. In the program, the host surprised guests and then took them through a retrospective of their lives in front of an audience, including appearances by colleagues, friends, and family. 

Some guests didn’t want to go on the program and have their lives exposed to the public. Of course, the positive, good side of a person’s life was what was usually presented.

But suppose your entire life, with all the good, the bad, and the ugly, were put into a documentary for all the world to see. What if all your wicked thoughts, words, and deeds were exposed and nothing held back. No doubt, if this happened to us we’d all be ashamed and cringe in front of others.

All of us have sinned (acted lawlessly) and deserve to be eternally separated from God in hell (Romans 3:23; 6:23). But God the Father loved us (John 3:16) and God the Son volunteered to add to His deity a true human nature and body (John 1:1-18; Philippians 2:5-11). He lived a sinless life, and then went to the cross to die for all of our sins, the Just One for us, the unjust ones (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 3:18). God the Father was satisfied with His payment for our sins and demonstrated this by raising Jesus from the dead on the third day (Romans 4:25; 1 John 2:2).

Now He offers eternal life and a home in heaven to all who place their faith and trust in Christ alone (John 3:16; 14:1-3). We aren’t saved from hell to heaven by our good works, or by our faith plus our good works. It’s by grace (unmerited favor) alone, through faith alone, in the Christ of the Scriptures alone (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5).

If you aren’t sure that you will go to heaven as soon as you die, or if you think you have to go to Purgatory first, contact us for additional help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change. We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

EVANGELISTS & PASTOR-TEACHERS

After dying for our sins, and being buried for three days and nights, Christ (the God-man) rose again bodily from the dead and made Himself visible to over 500 witnesses over a forty day period of time before ascending back to heaven from where He had come (1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Acts 1:1-11). [1]

Then He gave spiritual gifts to the members of His Body, the Church (Ephesians 4:11-16; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12-14).Some were temporary, others are extant. [2]

Evangelists. Those believers with the gift of evangelism are like spiritual obstetricians. They have a special ability to (1) communicate the gospel clearly to unbelievers, (2) find those who will believe in Christ, (3) and to teach other believers how to share the gospel effectively. (4) They will enjoy studying Scripture for various methods to accurately communicate the Gospel, and (5) encourage other believers to be good witnesses for Jesus Christ. (6) They will be consistently leading others to Christ for salvation and into a good, Bible believing local church. (7) They can be involved in working in the outreach activities of the local church.

Pastor-teachers. These men, who have been given this gift, are like spiritual pediatricians. They have a special ability to (1) lead, provide for, and care for believers through the teaching of the Word of God. They will enjoy (2) encouraging believers to put into practice the teachings of Scripture which apply to New Testament grace believers, (3) and protect them from doctrinal errors. (4) They will enjoy setting spiritual goals for believers, and (5) seeing all the extant gifts operating with love. (6) They will anticipate receiving the crown of glory for faithful service and the opportunity to give an account for their service. (7) This gift could be used in the office of an overseer (bishop) of a local church, in a Bible institute or college, or as a teacher of Bible classes, etc.

If you lack assurance of your salvation, or would like to learn more about your “Spiritual Gift,” visit:

[1] “The Gospel” https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/the-bad-news-the-good-news/

[2] Spiritual Gifts: (Some of this material was adapted from David K. Spurbeck, Sr.)

Click to access 08892a_a7c399a9a8f34dd4b8480c6fc220305a.pdf

Click to access 08892a_96adec19fcb14c6cb832a477b7aa1205.pdf

Click to access 08892a_8f7787cd5fe5484da243b6018b77ce6a.pdf

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

“Paper Missionaries”

I hadn’t heard this particular term being used for them, but when I did, I thought about a few of them that are certainly worthy of being promoted and supported. (Note: Some of them should NOT be supported.) “Paper Missionaries” stick to the point, never lose their temper, and can be used by God for the salvation of unbelievers.

These “Paper Missionaries” need to be very clear as they present the “Bad News & Good News” to lost people. It’s a very simple message: “Friend, You (we all) have sinned (acted lawlessly) and deserve to be eternally separated from God in hell. But if you place your faith and trust in Christ alone, Who died for your sins, was buried, and Who rose again bodily on the third day, you will be delivered (saved) from hell to heaven. If you’ve never done this before, do it now!” (See Romans 3:10-23; 6:23; Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; James 4:14.)

Note: These “Paper Missionaries” must NOT add any good works as a requirement for someone’s salvation. If they add good works or distort the Gospel (as many do), don’t use or support them. When a person is genuinely saved, good works will follow (Ephesians 2:8-10; John 15:16).

I like to take these “Paper Missionaries” with me as I am out in the marketplace (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19, 20). I never know who might be ready to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as his/her personal Savior and the gift of eternal life (Acts 10:1-48; 13:48; 16:14). Sometimes I use these “Paper Missionaries” to start a conversation, close a conversation, or when a conversation isn’t possible.

If you’d like to have a part in promoting, supporting, or learning more about “Paper Missionaries,” contact us. We’re here to assist those who want to make their life on earth count for God’s glory and the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 5:13; 6:10).

“The Bad News & The Good News”

“Be Like Jesus?”

“Be like Jesus, this my song, / In the home and in the throng; / Be like Jesus, all day long! / I would be like Jesus.” – James Rowe. [1] Is this your desire and prayer too? It’s mine. Of these two places, it’s probably more difficult to be like Jesus at home with your family than it would be in the throng.

We, as Christians, can’t do everything that Jesus did while He was here on earth because He was/is the God-man (See John 20:30, 31). But we can and should have a Christlike character that stands out, especially in spiritually dark places. Are you surrounded by darkness? Will you let your little light shine so others can find their way to Jesus, the “Light of the world” (John 8:12)?

WARNING: Choosing to live a godly life and be like Jesus will result in persecution, and possibly your death (2 Timothy 3:12). But it also could mean the salvation (deliverance from hell) of your family members, friends, and fellow workers (2 Timothy 2:10). Consider carefully what you really want.

The Fruit of the Spirit – Christ Likeness

(Galatians 5:22, 23)

God the Holy Spirit can/will produce this kind of fruit in the lives of Christians who are rightly related to Him and who are “abiding” (feeling at ease) in Christ (John 15:1-8). We must make sure that we have all our known sins confessed to God the Father (1 John 1:9; See James 5:16). We must not be grieving God by engaging in sin (lawlessness – 1 John 3:4), or quenching Him (rendering Him ineffective) by saying “No” to Him as He desires to lead us in the way we should go (Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 2 Timothy 2:12; Romans 8:14; Philippians 2:13).

We are exhorted to be “filled with the Spirit” and let Him make up in our lives where we are lacking in Christ likeness (Ephesians 5:18). What are the implications from this phrase? Not all Christians are filled with the Spirit. All should be filled with the Spirit. All can be filled with the Spirit. All can/should be filled again and again with the Spirit. Are you? If not, why?

Once the Holy Spirit has produced this “Fruit” in our lives, we are responsible to direct it toward the right objects at the right time and for the right reasons (1 John 2:15-17; 3:16, 17; Ephesians 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31). It is one “Fruit” with nine parts to it (Galatians 5:22, 23). Let’s examine them:

Love – Seeking the highest wellbeing of someone (1 Corinthians 13:4-7; 1 John 3:16, 17; John 3:16). As Christ loved us, we ought to love others (John 13:34, 35; Romans 5:5, 8; Contrast Leviticus 19:18).

Joy – The mental willingness to accept and appreciate any circumstance without resentment or frustration (James 1:2). We need to find our ultimate source of joy and delight in God (Philippians 4:4). Joyful Christians are attractive to others and they may ask you about it (1 Peter 3:15).

Peace – “Peace ‘with’ God” comes at the time of our salvation (Romans 5:1). But the “peace ‘of’ God” comes and goes. When we have it, it enables us to have an untroubled, or unruffled mind that is able to confront any eventuality without fear (John 14:27; Philippians 4:4-7; 1 John 4:8; 5:14, 15).

Longsuffering – A long holding out of temper toward those who would be unreasonable or objectionable just as God is and has been toward us and others (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Corinthians 13:4).

Kindness (Gentleness) – A sweetness of temperament that keeps a spiritually maturing believer from giving pain or offense to another, and can cause another person to be at ease (1 Corinthians 2:15; 13:4).

Goodness – This involves that which is beneficial, and it describes an inner pleasure, satisfaction and well-being. God’s goodness makes Him a happy God (1 Timothy 1:11). Happiness is contagious and productive. Sullenness and gloom in a Christian can negatively influence others.

Faith – When a Christian does anything while doubting, he sins (Romans 14:23). This kind of faith enables the Christian to continue to walk (order his life stye) by faith, not by sight ( 2 Corinthians 5:7).

Meekness – It’s not weakness, but strength under control (Example: a well trained horse). Spiritually maturing believers can/should attempt to restore other believers who are overtaken in a trespass (e.g. A bad attitude can lead to a sin – Galatians 6:1; 1 Peter 3:15, 16).

Self-Control – The ability to overrule physical needs and desires without hindering one’s spiritual service, or be disapproved (2 Peter 1:6; 1 Corinthians 7:9; 9:24-27).

Would you like for your life to be characterized by these things? I certainly would. But keep in mind that having these qualities and displaying them before others could cause others to persecute you just as they did Jesus.

He said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also” (John 15:18-20).

“[This] inner fruit [of the Spirit] affects outward actions; our words and our activities will glorify the Lord, and God’s will is accomplished. God’s desire is to transform us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29) and make us as fruitful as He was. In our allegiance to Him, we want to be characterized by good works (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:7; Colossians 1:10), humility (Ephesians 4:2; Titus 3:2), and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). We want to always be ready to “give an account for the hope that is within [us]” (1 Peter 3:15). [2]

While some people would try, through self effort, to produce these Christlike qualities, they end up with counterfeit fruit. God, the Holy Spirit, must do His part first in the life of a believer who is rightly related to Him. Then our responsibility is to direct this “fruit” toward the right objects.

Unbelievers can’t have this Holy Spirit produced fruit until they first place their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for our sins, was buried, and rose again bodily on the third day. When they do this, they will be transferred out of the Devil’s family into God’s family (Colossians 1:13; John 3:3 ff; 1 John 3:8-10) and will no longer be under condemnation (Romans 8:1).

“Be like Jesus…” Is this your true desire and prayer? It’s mine. Glorifying God (i.e. making Him known to others) ought to be our highest priority in life (1 Corinthians 10:31). Need more help?

We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

[1] https://hymnary.org/text/earthly_pleasures_vainly_call_me

[2] https://www.gotquestions.org/fruitful-Christian.html

Portions of this article were taken from “Maturing In Christ” by Dr. H. L. Schafer, pp. 123-130.

https://www.xulonpress.com/bookstore/bookdetail.php?PB_ISBN=9781609578381&HC_ISBN=

“GOT A BITTER, UNFORGIVING SPIRIT?”

When we’re mistreated and “stabbed in the back” by others, it’s quite natural for us to want to retaliate and take vengeance into our own hands. God’s Word instructs us, as Christians, to put the matter in His hands and let Him take vengeance on our behalf (Romans 12:19). Since He is the righteous One, He can do it much better and effectively than we can.

We need to remind ourselves that Jesus was unjustly and horribly mistreated and even crucified on a cross by wicked men. But He committed His spirit into God the Father’s hands and died a horrible death for our sins (Luke 23:46: Isaiah 53:6; 1 Corinthians 15:3). Thankfully, He rose again on the third day to prove to us that God the Father was satisfied with His payment for our sins (Romans 4:25).

When we’re tempted to have a bitter, unforgiving spirit (2 Corinthians 2:10 11) against someone who has wronged or hurt us, we need to remind ourselves of the huge debt that God forgave us when we placed our faith and trust in Christ as our personal Savior. Keep this in mind. No one has ever wronged you or me to the same degree that we have wronged and sinned against God. 

When we’re tempted by the devil to have an unforgiving, bitter spirit, we need to put on the whole armor of God and focus on the “helmet of salvation” (Ephesians 6:17; 4:32). Those who are unwilling to forgive others open themselves up to demonic oppression (Matthew 18:34) which could involve physical, mental, and emotional problems. If this doesn’t cause us to have a change of mind and behavior, God might even take a believer’s physical life from him/her (1 Corinthians 11:30).

“But even if you [as a Christian] should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.’ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:14-17). Read also 1 Peter 4:12-19 Click on [1]

We’re here to assist those who aren’t sure of their eternal destiny, and to help Christians grow in the sphere of grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18).

If you need spiritual help, we can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

[1] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+4%3A12-19&version=NKJV

REPENTANCE – WHAT IT IS / ISN’T.

ATTN: All Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, Missionaries, Sunday School Teachers, Parents, Others. There is a “Crown of Rejoicing” for believers who point lost people to Christ for salvation (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20). But there are warnings to all those who twist the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:16). Take heed to some of them –

“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers [of God’s Word], knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment” (James 3:1).

“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8).

“As I [Paul] urged you [Timothy] when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3).

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:13).

“These [false teachers] are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever” (2 Peter 2:17).

What exactly is the Gospel for our salvation? [1] Are you presenting it clearly to those in your care or confusing them with other requirements for salvation? There are many false teachers and many false Christs (Matthew 24:5; 1 John 2:18). Which Jesus saves from eternal condemnation? [2]

Repentance. Throughout the history of Christianity, great confusion has surrounded the condition for eternal life and the meaning of the term “repentance.” Does it mean to do penance for one’s sins? To feel sorrow or remorse for sin? To forsake all and follow Christ? To stop sinning or at least make a determination to sin less? [4]

Dr. Michael Cocoris writes with clarity in explaining the biblical meaning of this term as simply “a change of mind” or “a change of belief.” This book [3] offers a distinctively biblical approach to the subject of repentance. It surveys the words “repent” and “repentance” in the Bible as they are used by John the Baptist, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostles Peter, Paul, and John, and the writer of Hebrews. The key Greek and Hebrew terms are also explained. The result is a refreshing treatment of repentance that is based upon the authority of God’s Word rather than human tradition. This is “A Must Read.”

We’re here to assist you if you are unsure of your eternal destiny. If you’re a true Christian, we want to build you up in your faith and equip you for service to God and others (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17).

“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).

If you have questions and/or comments, we’d like to hear from you here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. Please help us by SHARING this with others in your “circle of influence.”

To Be Saved From Eternal Condemnation, We Must –

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily

from the dead on the third day” (Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8, 9; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).

[1] Clear Gospel presentations –

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

Dr. Manfred Kober: https://faith.edu/faith-news/do-we-really-know-the-gospel/

Dr. Ron Shea: http://www.cleargospel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/English/English-Display-Pkg-2014.pdf

[2] Which Jesus Saves? https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2015/01/07/which-jesus-saves/

[3] Repentance, The Most Misunderstood Word In The Bible, by Dr. Michael Cocoris (Click here)

[4] Lordship Salvation

https://www.bibleprophecyblog.com/2011/03/what-is-wrong-with-lordship-salvation.html

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

Law, Grace, or Kingdom Living?

Upon their being saved, many people are told in some “Gospel tracts” to read the Bible, pray, and tell others about Jesus. That’s good. Some tracts don’t present the Gospel correctly, in its entirely. Some of them have multiple conditions or requirements for salvation in addition to faith (believing on the Lord Jesus Christ through the Gospel – Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Read Dr. Ron Shea’s Clear Gospel booklet, especially the first few pages. (See below.)

Many new believers aren’t told what part of the Bible is for them, and what parts of the Bible are addressed specifically to them. Did you know that all of Scripture is to believed (2 Timothy 3:16, 17), but not all of it is to be believed and practiced (Titus 1:9)? Do you know that there are eight ways they can communicate with God, and not just asking and receiving? They may not be taught how to share the Gospel clearly with others so they can be saved.

If you’re a Christian, could you share the Gospel to a dying person with 25 words and have confidence that if that person died shortly after believing on Christ through the Gospel you presented that he/she would be in heaven? (Read Dr. M. Kober’s article below.)

Christians who don’t know where to find their “Rules for Living” within the pages of the Scriptures aren’t going to grow spiritually as they should (2 Peter 3:18). Sadly, they will be like “spiritual dwarfs” and will have their worthless works burned up on Judgment Day (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

Hopefully your Pastor-teacher and other mature believers in Christ can help you with these matters as God wants them to do (Ephesians 4:11-16; Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).

To help you in these areas, our FREE “Understanding The Times Bible Study Book Marker” can be found and downloaded from our website: www.kelseypeach.com. We’re here to assist you and others if you have questions and/or comments.

Clear Gospel presentations –

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

Dr. Manfred Kober: https://faith.edu/faith-news/do-we-really-know-the-gospel/

Dr. Ron Shea: http://www.cleargospel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/English/English-Display-Pkg-2014.pdf

Christian Life – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/how-then-should-we-live/

“How Then Should We Live?”

Dr. J.B. Hixon https://www.notbyworks.org/

To Be Saved From Eternal Condemnation, We Must –

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily

from the dead on the third day” (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).

“Their Diabolical Plan”

The wicked, defiant rulers of this world don’t want to submit to God or His authority. Some won’t even acknowledge that He exists. They refer to themselves as atheists whom God calls fools (Psalm 14:1). Skeptics should refer to themselves as agnostics.

The Psalmist asks, “Why do the nations [e.g. United Nations] rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.’He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision” (Psalm 2:1-4). Read the rest of this Psalm to find out what God will do to them. (Click below)

God could, and eventually will, destroy in a moment those who fail to trust in Him for their salvation. But before He does this, He is going to allow them, for seven years, to try to establish a New World Order that consists of a One World Government, a One World Religion, and a One World Economic System without the true “Prince of Peace” – the Lord Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:6).

If God were to allow “The Man of Sin – Anti-Christ” to rule over the earth for more than seven years, no flesh on earth would survive (Matthew 24:22). Do you know that there are diabolical men who want to reduce to world’s population down to 500 million? [1] By today’s standard, that would mean more than 7 billion people now living on earth would have to die. Even though they are trying hard to modify man’s genetics through drugs, and using AI, they can’t/won’t become gods as some religions and cults teach and repopulate other worlds.

During these seven years of the Tribulation, (which seems to be imminent) that were predicted by the Prophet Daniel (9:24-27), God will also pour out His wrath through 21 plagues (Revelation 6-19). [2] Believe me, you won’t want to be here on earth during this time. You can be delivered today from this awful period of human history if you will place your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). [3] The Scriptures teach us that at least half of the world’s population will die during the seven year Tribulation (Read Revelation 6:8; 9:15).

At His “Second Coming” Jesus will crush all His enemies with a word from His mouth (Revelation 19:15). Then He will set up His millennial kingdom on/over the earth and true peace will come to earth (Isaiah 2:4; 9:6). It was postponed when He was on earth the first time because most of the Jews rejected Him since He didn’t meet their expectations (Matthew 16:20; 23:38; Luke 13:25; 19:14).

If you’d like to learn more about Bible prophecy and receive a FREE Bible Study Book Marker, contact us through this site or our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

We’re here to help those who are teachable, willing to change, and grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17).

[1] Georgia Guidestones. https://grandmageri422.me/category/georgia-guidestones/

[2] The Order of Coming Events– https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2014/01/30/the-order-of-coming-events/

[3] Clear Gospel presentations –

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

Dr. Manfred Kober: https://faith.edu/faith-news/do-we-really-know-the-gospel/

Dr. Ron Shea: http://www.cleargospel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/English/English-Display-Pkg-2014.pdf

Psalm 2 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%202&version=NKJV

Scripture verses taken from the New King James Version.

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

“The Jab”

Whether you’ve taken it or not, you’re going to die. There are a 1,000 ways to die. [1] You may die sooner than others. Then what happens? Is there an afterlife? Is there a hell to avoid and a heaven to gain? If so, how? Is there an authoritative source upon which we can rely for such information? Jesus said, “I AM…the truth…” (Read 14:6), “…Your Word (the Bible) is truth (John 17:17), and “…God cannot lie” (Titus 1:2).

Our lives are like a vapor that appears for a little time and then it vanishes away (James 4:14). God’s Word declares “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but [sometime] after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). [2] This is a “general rule.” Two men (Enoch and Elijah) who lived in the Old Testament times, didn’t die physically and passed into another realm (Genesis 5:24; 2 Kings 1:1 ff). [3] And there will be a whole generation of Christians who won’t die either (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Will you be in that number?

Someday everyone of us will stand before Jesus, the righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8) to have our works evaluated to determine the believer’s rewards, crowns, and praise, or the unbeliever’s degree of suffering in the lake of fire (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 10:15; 11:22). Christ’s bodily resurrection from the dead guarantees the resurrection of all who die, each in his/her own order. [3]

Some people erroneously think that as soon as they die they will be judged (perhaps by St. Peter) to determine if they get into heaven or if they will be cast into hell which they think will be determined by the amount of good works they did or didn’t do. Not so. Some people believe in Purgatory, the annihilation of the wicked dead, or in reincarnation. These aren’t taught in Scripture. [3]

“For by grace you [believers] have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9). “[It’s] not by works of [self] righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). “But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).

One’s entrance into heaven or ending up in the lake of fire is determined by his/her faith or lack of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day. We need the right method – faith, and the right message – the Gospel, if we are to be saved. [5]

If you aren’t absolutely sure you’ll go to heaven when you die, we’re here to help you gain assurance of this (1 John 5:13). We also want to help believers who are teachable, willing to change, and who want to grow spiritually.

We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

[1] 1,000 Ways To Die – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2020/05/08/1000-ways-to-die/

[2] Other Judgments – https://www.gotquestions.org/all-the-judgments.html

[3] Hell vs Hades – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2021/06/26/hell-vs-hades-whats-the-difference/

[4] Five Resurrections – https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2015/09/10/five-bodily-resurrections/

[5] Clear Gospel presentations –

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

Dr. Manfred Kober: https://faith.edu/faith-news/do-we-really-know-the-gospel/

Dr. Ron Shea: http://www.cleargospel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/English/English-Display-Pkg-2014.pdf