Cain's Way

Many people would be familiar with Adam and Eve's firstborn son, Cain. In the epistle of Jude in the New Testament the phrase 'the way of Cain' is mentioned; but not in a good light.

Jude 11, "Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah."

What then is the way of Cain? Why is woe pronounced on those who follow Cain's pathway?

Let's go to the first book of the Holy Bible; to Genesis 4:1-5:

(1) "Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, 'I have acquired a man from the Lord.'

(2) Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

(3) And in process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord.

(4) And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering.

(5) But He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell."

Cain brought an offering from a sin cursed ground. Genesis 3:17, "...Cursed is the ground for your sake [Adam]; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life."

Cain thought his offering was good enough for God. Note, he believed in God; he was not an atheist, or a pagan. He was comfortable in approaching God with his offering. However, he did not understand, or appreciate, that his sins needed to be atoned for in order for God to accept him.

His brother Abel understood this and he brought an offering from his flock. He realised that the death of a substitute victim was necessary to atone for his sins; and to make him acceptable before God. "...the Lord respected Abel and his offering."

Cain became very angry. God spoke to Cain. Genesis 4:6, 7, (6) "So the Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? (7) If you do well, will you be not accepted? And if you do not well, sin [offering] lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it."

God points out to Cain that a sin offering (from the flock) was lying at the door. If Cain brought an offering similar to Abel's, he would be acceptable before God.

But Cain refuses this and subsequently in his anger talks with Abel and in a rage murders him. What a shocking state of affairs! The first child ever born grew up to become a murderer!

What is the way of Cain? It is a selfish, unrepentant way! Sure Cain believed in God, but on his own terms. He knew his offering was not acceptable to God and he blamed his brother Abel. He did not blame the state of his own mind and heart before God; and was not repentant of his sins.

When Cain was clearly shown the way of acceptance before God - he refused it!

"Woe unto them for they have gone in the way of Cain..."

What about you; are you trusting in your good works for salvation? Or, are you trusting in the sacrifice the Lord Jesus Christ made for you on Calvary's cross?

John 14:6 states, "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me'."

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Words in

[ ] are inserted for the sake of clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point]

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Set up for life

You often hear this saying; usually spoken in a wishful tone of voice. It is something to aspire to; to be set up for life. I guess most people who are thinking along these lines are hoping to have a life of ease and luxury.

"If I win the lottery..." "If I get my dream job..." "If my business is a huge success..." "If I marry into a wealthy family..." "If I attain fame and fortune..."

If...If...If...; the Ifs depend on a certain set of circumstances falling into place. OK let's assume it happens for you. You have achieved your goal and now you are set up for life. What next?

We will assume you will live out the rest of your days enjoying the fruits of your endeavours.

Wait a minute, you are set up for life but now we are talking about your death. So being set up for life is only a temporary situation.

The rich man in Luke chapter 16 was set up for life but ended up in Hell. Another rich man in Luke chapter 12 gives us further insight into this problem.

Luke 12:16-20

(16) "...the ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.

(17) and he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no more room to store my crops?'

(18) So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and goods.

(19) And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink and be merry."

(20) "but God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?"

This is the result of leaving God out of your life! You can plan all you want; and you may be granted it. However, if God decides it is time your soul is required; you cannot reverse His decision!

So, being set up for life in this scene is only temporary and it can be terminated at any moment. Our tenure on life is fragile, it can be easily broken.

How much better it is to be set up for eternal life. That well known verse in John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." What a difference! By believing in the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ and receiving Him as your Lord and Saviour you will immediately have eternal life!

1 Peter 1:3, 4 tells us, (3) "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (4) to an inheritance, incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you."

What a difference! Eternal life and an eternal inheritance are the rights of every true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Are you set for eternal life?

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted]

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The 5 R's Checklist

When I was nursing, and administering medications to patients we used a check list to ensure we did the right thing each time. This procedure was necessary to make sure the right patient got the right medication.

The 5 R's are:

1. The right patient

2. The right medication

3. The right dose

4. The right time

5. The right route.

Let's look at each of these in turn.

The right patient, this is obvious, we need to correctly identify the patient for whom the medication is intended. The patient's medical officer has written up a medication sheet detailing what medications the patient requires. In a hospital situation the patient is given an identity wrist band upon admission to hospital. So even if the patient is asleep, or delirious, or unconscious he/she can be identified.

The right medication, care is needed here to identify that the medications written for the patient are correctly administered. An error here could cause serious side effects or could even be fatal.

The right dose, we have identified the patient and have the correct medications. Now we need the correct amount of medication the medical officer has ordered. Any mistakes here could have major consequences.

The right time, the medical officer orders the medications to be given to the patient at a certain time or times. The usual times are daily, twice daily, 3 times daily or 4 times daily. Administering the medications at the correct time is very important for the patient's well-being.

The right route, the correct route is extremely important. It is often dependent on the type of medication the patient requires. The medications can be in tablet form, or liquid, or ointment, or suppository, or in a patch form. So the correct route is also extremely important. Is the medication to be given orally (by mouth), or by injection (needle), or intravenously? Perhaps it is an ointment or a cream, or ear drops or eye drops, or perhaps a suppository.

As we can see the check list needs to be followed in full to ensure we follow the medical officer's instructions for the patient. Inherent in this is our duty of care to the patient. The patient's well-being must be the focus and the outcome.

Most of my nursing career I worked in small regional hospitals, within General Wards. The patients would be admitted with a variety of medical conditions, requiring different medications and treatments. Our duty of care had to be the same to each individual patient; regardless of race, skin colour, ethnicity, whether they were rich or poor, or whether they were criminals or law abiding citizens.

Whilst reflecting on these matters I could see a similar situation with the True and Living God and us. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden they became sinners against God. Their sinful nature has been passed down throughout the race of mankind via Adam.

God could have abandoned mankind but He had an overriding duty of care towards His creatures. His focus and outcome for them is their eternal well-being. "All have sinned..." (Romans 3:23) and all need salvation. Mankind's sorry history is a continual turning away from God, however, in His duty of care towards you and me He sent His Son to rectify matters. Galatians 4:4, 5, (4)"But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, (5) to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoptions of sons."

The right patient is you and me.

The right medication for our sin sick souls is salvation and redemption by the Lord Jesus Christ.

The right dose, God knows the correct dose needed for each individual.

The right time is now!

The right route, God knows the best way to bring salvation to each individual.

In a hospital situation there are always patients who are non-compliant with their medications' regime and their treatment. Some discharge themselves, some are belligerent and cause trouble; others go absent without leave.

Don't be like them, God has your eternal best interests in mind; however, you need salvation to enjoy them.

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted]

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Eternal Life - Are you in the book?

The Book of Life I am referring to is not a lifestyle book. Actually you can't purchase it or read it for yourself.

Intrigued? What use is this book to me if I can't read it or purchase it?

What type of book is it? Well I can tell you it has not been written by any great men, or philosophers, or academics. Perhaps, we need to look at where in the world we can find references to this book.

The answer to this puzzle is found in God's words in the Holy Bible. The first mention of the Book of Life is found in Philippians 4:3, "...and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life." The apostle Paul mentions the Book of Life. It is a book that records all the names of those who will spend eternity in Heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ and the holy angels.

Revelation 20:11-15

(11) "Then I saw a great white throne and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.

(12) And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

(13) The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each according to his works.

(14) Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

(15) And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire."

The scene before us takes place at the end of time. It takes place in eternity. Note these facts: (a) everything we ever do is and will be recorded in Heaven; (b) if our name is not recorded in the Book of Life we will be cast into the lake of fire - the second final death.

I am not going to focus on the lake of fire because the Book of Life is the focus of this blog post. How can I get my name in the Book of Life? By receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, that's how! His salvation is an eternal salvation; good for time and eternity.

If we read on into Revelation chapter 21 we come to the heavenly city - "...the holy city, New Jerusalem..." Verse 27, "But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes abomination, or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life."

The Lord Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God. The Book of Life is a gigantic record of every true believer from the time of Adam and Eve right up to the end of the 1,000 years of the Millennium when Christ reigns on the earth.

Let's get down to the crux of this matter; if your name is not written in the Lamb's Book of Life you will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire.

What will you do about it? It is so easy to be saved by the Lord Jesus if you will let Him save you. He has never turned anyone away.

John 6:37, "all that the Father gives Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out."  That decision needs to be now, this side of the grave. Once you die it will be too late!

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted]

[You are welcome to comment on this post, by clicking on the comments section below]

Remember Lot's Wife

These words were spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 17:32). He was referring to one of the most remarkable occurrences in the history of mankind. Lot's wife "...became a pillar of salt." (Genesis 19:26).

To understand why this happened (about 1898 BC) we need to have a look at the events leading up to this incident.

Lot was Abraham's nephew. The two men were very wealthy, nomadic herdsmen. They travelled together until it got to a stage where there was not sufficient pasture for all their herds and flocks. Abraham graciously gave Lot the choice of whether he would stay in the land of Canaan, or move down into the cities of the plain of Jordan.

Lot chose the cities of the plains "...and pitched his tent towards Sodom."  However the next verse informs us that "...the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful before the Lord."  (Genesis 13:13). There is no mention up to this point of Lot being married.

In Genesis chapter 18 we read that the Lord and two angels visit Abraham. The Lord reveals to Abraham that He is about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah for their very grave sin. Abraham pleads for the righteous people in the city. He is concerned for Lot. At the end of his pleading with the Lord, Abraham is satisfied that if 10 righteous people are found in Sodom it will not be destroyed.

Alas, it does not turn out that way. The only righteous person in Sodom is Lot. Lot and his wife and two unmarried daughters are forcibly led out of their house and out of Sodom by the two angels. They are given these instructions.

Genesis 19:17, "...Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed." 

Lot and his wife and daughters escape to a small city named Zoar. Genesis 19:23-26, "(23) The sun had risen upon the earth when Lot entered Zoar. (24) Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. (25) So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of those cities, and what grew on the ground. (26) But his wife looked behind him, and she became a pillar of salt."

Lot's married daughters and his sons-in-law perished in Sodom. When Lot tried to warn them of the impending judgement they thought he was joking!

Why did Lot's wife disobey the command of the angels to not look behind them as they fled away from Sodom? It is my belief it is because she was a native of Sodom. I believe that Lot married a Sodomite woman. Her heart and her mind were centred on Sodom. She was used to the evil ways of the Sodomites because she was one of them.

The Hebrew gives us the sense that she looked back with desire! This was no fleeting glance but an earnest, longing desire to be there. The result - she became a pillar of salt! She dies along with all the Sodomites.

Luke 17:32, "Remember Lot's wife."

If your heart and mind is filled with this world and its pleasures - there is a way of escape for you. There is salvation in the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Come to Him now! Remember Lot's wife.

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted]

[You are invited to comment on this post, by clicking on the comments section below]

No Greater Love

Jesus of Nazareth on the night He was betrayed spoke these words to His disciples.

John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."

These words were spoken with Divine authority, by the Son of God. This love is not romantic love, or love of family. This is sacrificial love; when a person is prepared to die in order to save their friends. There is no greater human love than this.

Jesus of Nazareth, the Lord Jesus Christ, was preparing His disciples for His coming crucifixion and death at Calvary. History records that Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews was crucified on a Roman cross; that He died and was buried. However, that is not the end of the story. The Scriptures show us that He rose from the dead on the third day and forty days later ascended into Heaven. In those forty days He was seen by and spoke with not only the remaining disciples; but also with hundreds of His followers.

In 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 the apostle Paul is writing to the Corinthian believers in Christ.

"(3) For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, (4) and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, (5) and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. (6) After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. (7) After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. (8) Then last of all He was seen by me also, as one born out of due time."

What is the significance of what we have been considering? It is an historical fact that Jesus' disciples were saved from physical death, and only Jesus was taken, tortured, put through a mock trial and led away to be crucified. 

However, there is a matter of much greater importance attached to these incidents. Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews, the Messiah did not only die for the sake of His disciples; but for all mankind. Christ's crucifixion, burial, resurrection and ascension to Heaven were predetermined by God.

Let's have another look at 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4. What do we learn here?

1.      Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.

2.      He was buried and rose again according to the Scriptures.

Am I saying to you that Jesus Christ, the Son of God died for your sins? 

Yes, I am emphatically saying this to you! Not only will you have your sins forgiven; you will be given eternal life, here and now, if you will truly believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and that He can give you eternal life.

John 10:28, 29, "(28) And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. (29) My Father who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand."

There is no greater love than the love of Jesus Christ for His own blood bought people!

Do you know the power of His love in your life?

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted]

[You are welcome to comment on this post, by clicking on the comments section below]

After death - oblivion?

An atheist does not believe in God, or, that there is a God. So when he or she dies oblivion is what they hope for. Collins Concise Dictionary defines oblivion as the condition of being forgotten or disregarded.

However for them the crux of the matter is not so much the condition of being forgotten; but rather a state of obliteration i.e. no trace left at all. What is really behind this thinking? If I don't believe there is a God then there is no punishment for my sins. If there is no trace left of my sinful life then I can't be punished.

What do the Scriptures say about this?

Hebrews 9:27, "...it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement."

Galatians 6:7, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."

John 5:28, 29, "(28) Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming, in which all in the graves will hear His voice [Jesus Christ] (29) and come forth - those that have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those that have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation."

Revelation 20:12, "And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened...and the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books."

In the above verses the term man, or men, is generic. It is representative of mankind, both male and female.

What can we learn from these verses?

1.       Each individual is responsible to God.

2.       God has a record of every moment of our lives.

3.       We reap what we sow.

4.       There is no oblivion or forgetting or obliteration when we die.

5.       We each have an appointment after death with God.

6.       We only die once - there is no such thing as reincarnation after death.

It does not have to end this way! The most famous verse in the Scriptures tells us in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." 

The Lord Jesus Christ is the answer! What do you prefer eternal life or eternal condemnation in the Lake of Fire? I chose eternal life!

If you are an atheist, I urge you to consider your position. Psalm 14:1 states, "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they have done abominable things, there is none who does good." In the context of Psalm 14 - are you a fool?

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted]

[You are welcome to comment on this post, by clicking on the comments section below]

To whom shall we go?

We live in a world of uncertainty. The current economic crises in many countries have people all over the world worried about the consequences. The world at large is looking for leaders, or a leader, that will guide them out of the financial morass. Differences in ethnicity, culture and religion only serve to heighten the feelings of insecurity and vulnerability.

Thankfully, on a personal level we have such a leader!

The title question, ‘To whom shall we go?’ refers to an incident recorded in John chapter 6. Let’s take a look at this incident.

John 6:63-69, “(63) It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

(64) But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him.

(65) And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it had been granted to him by My Father.”

(66) From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with him no more.

(67) Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”

(68) But Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. (69) Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Here is the answer to our question! Simon Peter knew the answer, “You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

There were those who followed Jesus of Nazareth, but when the going got hard they “went back and walked with Him no more.” It is the same today!  However, the twelve disciples had come to a definite belief and knowledge of Jesus. From His words, His manner of life, His miracles and His teachings; they came to the conclusion that He was, “the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Yet He ended up according to God’s foreknowledge crucified on a Roman cross. What appeared to be abject failure was in fact His greatest triumph!

Let’s consider the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-6.

“(3) For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died according to the Scriptures,

(4) and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

(5) and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.

(6) After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.”

Jesus Christ died according to the Scriptures. He was buried and He rose from the dead three days later. He was seen by many of the believers after His resurrection.

 Luke 24:50, 51 tells us, “(50) And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them.

(51) Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that he was parted from them and carried up into heaven.”

Mark 16:19 informs us, “So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.”

The Lord Jesus Christ has more followers today than at any time in the history of the world! Who can you turn to today for guidance and leadership? Our politicians and world leaders don’t have the answers. They try to do what they consider is best, but often fall short in solving the problems of our world.

There is an answer – the Lord Jesus Christ! You and I on a personal level can’t do much to solve the problems of this world. However, we can “come to believe and know” that Jesus is,”the Christ, the Son of the living God.” He will guide and lead us through our lives on earth, and then upon our deaths receive us into heaven to be forever with Him.

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted]

[You are welcome to comment on this post, by clicking on the comments section below]

Excuses - Excuses - Excuses!

Collins Concise Dictionary defines an excuse as an explanation offered in defence of some fault or as a reason for not fulfilling an obligation etc.

We can deduce from this definition that an excuse is an explanation or reason offered to let someone forego an obligation which is rightfully theirs; and that they could fulfil if they wanted to. In other words they could fulfil the obligation but have chosen not to fulfil it.

Let’s have a look at Luke 14:15-24 for some good examples of excuses.

“(15) Now one of those who sat at the table with Him [Jesus] heard these things, he said to Him, ‘Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!’

(16)Then He [Jesus] said to him, ‘A certain man gave a great supper and invited many,

(17) And sent his servants at supper time to say to those who were invited, “Come, for all things are now ready,”

(18) But they with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’

(19) And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’

(20) Still another said, ‘I have married a wife and therefore I cannot come.’

(21) So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’

(22) And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’

(23) Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

(24) For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper’.”

Why was the master so angry? He knew that the excuses were covering up the real reason. They were not just declining the invitation; they were rejecting him as not being worthy of their time, or effort.

The scenario outlined by the Lord Jesus is a picture of God’s great offer of salvation. The gospel invitation goes out and people make excuses as to why they won’t accept salvation.

Are you saved? If not, what is your excuse? Are you ready to suffer eternal loss? The people who made excuses not to come to the supper did not get a second invitation!

Perhaps by the grace of God you have had more than one gospel invitation. Don’t procrastinate, for in Genesis 6:3 we read these words, “And the Lord said, ‘My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years’.”

 How do I know this is true? Noah spent 120 years building his ark and then the great flood came.

Genesis 7:23, “So He [God] destroyed all living things which were on the face of the ground: both man and cattle, creeping things and birds of the air. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah and those who were with him in the ark remained alive.”

If you do not respond to the gospel invitation to be saved, then God will one day simply give up on you. You won’t be able to blame God for choosing not to be saved.

Excuses, excuses, excuses, they won’t get you into Heaven and they are a sure fire way of you going to Hell when you die.

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted]

[You are welcome to comment on this post, by clicking on the comments section below]

Goliath's Forty Days

Millions of people would be familiar with the story of David and Goliath. When an individual, or group, triumphs over a much larger adversary, or adversaries, it is often linked to David’s magnificent victory over the giant warrior, Goliath.

The Philistine army and the Israelite army were drawn up in battle array. The Philistine warrior Goliath presented himself before the Israelite army morning and evening for forty days. This giant of a man, who stood three metres tall, issued a challenge. If Israel would provide a man to fight him and kill him then the Philistines would become Israel’s servants. If Goliath killed the Israelite warrior then the Israelites would become servants of the Philistines.

So the challenge went out daily for forty days.

The Israelites were terrified of the Philistine giant. On the fortieth day David arrives in the Israelite camp; hears the challenge and offers to fight the giant, Goliath.

Goliath confidently appeared each day and watched the fear and terror on the faces of the Israelites. The Israelites knew that they were no match for Goliath in battle; the sure result would be death.

David on the other hand had an unswerving faith in God and prevailed over Goliath with a sling and stone. Then he killed the giant with Goliath’s own sword.

Goliath tested the faith of the Israelites for forty days; little realising that he himself would be vanquished on the fortieth day.

How does this story apply in our modern world?

Goliath depicts Satan, the Devil. Goliath was completely in control of the battle confrontation until the Israelite saviour, David arrived on the scene.

David depicts the Lord Jesus Christ as the victorious Saviour.

Hebrews 2:14, 15, “(14) Inasmuch as the children have partaken of flesh and blood. He himself shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, (15) and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”

What is mankind’s greatest fear? The answer is the fear of death!

Satan has the power of death, but Jesus Christ has taken away this power of Satan’s for all those who receive Him as their Lord and Saviour and have their sins forgiven.

If a born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ dies, their spirit and soul will “...be absent from the body and... present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8). They will be in the resurrection of life (John 5:29) and spend eternity in Heaven with God.

However, if a person dies in their sins, the opposite is true. Their spirit and soul will go to Hell. They will be in the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:29). They will be at the Great White Throne judgement. They will be judged in their sins and will be cast into the Lake of Fire.

Do you want to be one of those who are released from the fear of death; and not subject to Satan’s bondage?

Acts 16:31, “...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved...”

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted]

[You are welcome to comment on this post, by clicking on the comments section below]

I saw the dead - standing!

Who saw the dead standing? It seems to be a contradiction in terms; the dead standing.

The book of Revelation in the Holy Bible gives us the answer. It is a scene from the end of time. The apostle John is describing what he witnessed.

Revelation 20:11, 12, “(11) Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. (12)  And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.”

It is judgement time! It is the time the Lord Jesus Christ spoke about in John 5:28, 29, “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice (29) and come forth – those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

This is the sequel to the raising of the wicked dead!

Let’s read on in Revelation 20:13-15, “(13) the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. (14) Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (15) And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”

All the wicked dead from Adam and Eve’s time until the end of the 1,000 years reign of the Messiah (the Lord Jesus Christ) will stand before God to be judged according to what they have done in their lives. Romans 3:19 tells us “...that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world become guilty before God.”

Now here is a startling fact; our lives – every detail, is being recorded in heaven. Nothing is hidden to the true and living God – nothing!

Revelation 21:5, 8, “(5) Then He who sat on the throne said,...’The cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death’.”

Is this how you want your life to end?

It does not have to be this way!

If you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour; your name will be written in the Book of Life. Plus – you will not stand before the great white throne to be judged and cast into the lake of fire.

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog  www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version]

[You are welcome to comment on this blog post by clicking on the comment section at the end of the post.]

Life's hard - then you die!

Have you ever heard this saying?

It sounds fatalistic and the person saying it has no hope. This is the way life seems to them; the way is hard and the end is death.

The Scriptures concur with this saying.

Proverbs 16:25, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

Isaiah 57:21, “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”

Life’s hard; this covers more than just physical labour. It covers things such as mental pressures, illness, financial stress, verbal and physical abuse, family dynamics and many other pressures in life. Some of these come about of our own choosing; some are thrust upon us.

There will be many testings and trials in our lives. However, we don’t have to face them alone.

Let’s look at the words spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew’s gospel. Matthew 11:28-30, “(28) Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (30) For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

1.      The invitation is to come to Him.

2.      He will give us rest.

3.      Walk in partnership with Him and He will take care of your burdens.

4.      Learn from Him.

5.      The load He gives in return is light and not hard to bear.

1 Peter 5:7 tells us, “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

So there is a choice; life doesn’t have to be so hard! Eliphaz in the Old Testament book of Job tells us in Job 22:21, “Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you.”

Why did Jesus Christ die on a Roman cross for you?

1.      To pay the price of your sins.

2.      To conquer sin, hell and death for you.

3.      To reserve a place for you in heaven.

1 Timothy 1:15, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...”

Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

The Lord Jesus Christ can take away the burden of your sins; if you are willing to acknowledge that you are a sinner, for He came to save sinners. You can acquaint yourself with Him and be at peace.

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog  www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version]

[You are welcome to comment on this blog post by clicking on the comment section at the end of the post.]

The Hidden Gospel

Now this seems to be a strange phrase! Gospel means “good news”; why then would you want to hide it? Why would the apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthian believers, refer to his gospel as being hidden, or veiled?

Let’s look at 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4, “(3) But if our gospel is veiled [hidden}, it is veiled to those who are perishing, (4) whose minds the god of this age [Satan] has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” [Words in brackets are given for clarity.]

Verse 3 tells us that if the gospel is hidden, or veiled, it is hidden from those who are perishing. Does this mean that anyone on their way to Hell has no hope? Of course not!

Verse 4 is quite explicit in meaning. Satan, the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe. Satan does not give up any soul without a struggle; the reason being that Satan does not want anyone to see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ. He wants to keep them in darkness!

The Lord Jesus Christ speaking in John 3:19 said, “...men loved darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil.” Have you ever turned over a piece of rubbish in your yard on a sunny day? Little insects or beetles will scurry away seeking another dark place to hide. That is a picture of sinful souls running away from the good news of the gospel.

Light reveals things as they are. Light dispels darkness; darkness goes when light comes. Satan is aware of this fact and will always try to keep souls in darkness. In other words, keep them from the truth; the truth that there is a wonderful, eternal salvation for sinful men, women and children.

Do you believe the gospel? If not, what clever piece of subterfuge is Satan blinding your mind with? When your life on Earth is finished, do you really want to go to Hell and later be cast into the Lake of Fire. This is where Satan and his fallen angels will end up!

The Lake of Fire is not what God wants for you. He has provided eternal salvation and Heaven through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The choice is yours and only you can make the decision.

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog  www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version]

[You are welcome to comment on this blog post by clicking on the comment section at the end of the post.]

He Bearing His Cross

It’s that time of the year again – Easter. Christian nations celebrate with four days of holiday; as they commemorate a unique time in the history of mankind.

How many of us will spare a thought for what Jesus of Nazareth did for us at Calvary? How many of us will give God thanks for what Jesus accomplished at Calvary?  How many of us will give God the glory for allowing His Son to die for us at Calvary?

John 19:16-18, “(16) Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led Him away. (17) And He bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. (18) where they crucified Him...”

Why would Jesus Christ allow Himself to be taken and led away to die on a Roman cross? The Scriptures bear record that:

1.      “He did no sin” (1Peter 2:22)

2.      He “knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

3.      “in Him was no sin” (1 John 3:5).

Now, the Scriptures also bear record that “...the wages of sin is death...” (Romans 6:23). Therefore, He was not subject to death. However, He chose to die for you and me; to pay the penalty for our sins. He bore our punishment on the cross so we could obtain eternal life through Him (Romans 6:23).

His dying is not the end of the matter. His blood was shed at the cross for the remission of our sins. He was buried the same day and three days later rose again in resurrection power; thus proving that death had no hold on Him.

So Easter is a celebration of death defeated! Easter is a celebration of Christ’s mighty victory over sin, death and the grave! He did it all alone – for our sakes – to save our souls and bring glory to God.

1 Corinthians 15:55, “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”

Do you know the power of Jesus Christ’s salvation in your life? Will you be in the resurrection of life? (John 5:29).

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog  www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version]

[You are welcome to comment on this blog post by clicking on the comment section at the end of the post.]