Making Peace Series

In his book, The Fall of Fortresses, Elmer Bendiner tells the story of an unusual flight he took as part of a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber crew as navigator during World War II. On a raid over Germany, the plane was hit in the fuel tank by anti-aircraft fire. But despite a direct hit, the tank did not explode and the crew returned safely.

> Later, eleven 20mm unexploded shells were taken from the fuel tank. They were sent to be defused, and it was discovered that all but one of the shells was empty. That one shell contained a small note written in Czech: ""This is all we can do for you now.""

No one knows if that anonymous, peace-loving Czech worker was motivated by the Beatitudes, but when he or she ""sowed"" blank shells, the bomber crew certainly ""harvested"" peace! This action was not only a small attempt to help end World War II, but it brought great personal peace to each man on that B-17 who might otherwise have perished.

+ 1. "War:- Constants of History

> Has not diminished in the last 3,421 years of recorded history

> There has only been 268 yrs. without war

+ 2. United Nations was formed after WWII

> Motto: To have succeeding generations free for the scourge of war”

> Outcome of the UN since that day – Not one day of peace

3. Uncertain Peace

> Fearful hearts

> Each night we lock our doors

- In a perfect world, no one would ever lock anything

- Lives today are anywhere but at peace

> Relationships fall apart

- Unhappy, discontented, & frustrated people

> Sitting in darkness without hope

> Crying Peace, Peace – Is 48:22, Jer 6:14

> AV | ‎Is 48:18

O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

4. Pathway to Peace

- Peace is one of the themes in the Bible.

- The Bible opens with peace in the Garden of Eden

- It closes with peace in eternity.

- It has over 400 references to peace

> AV | ‎Ps 119:165

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

> NIV | ‎Ps 119:165

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble

5. Promised

> Isaiah 9:6–7 (AV)

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

> Isaiah 9:6–7 (NCV)

6 A child has been born to us; God has given a son to us. He will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.

7 Power and peace will be in his kingdom and will continue to grow forever. He will rule as king on David’s throne and over David’s kingdom. He will make it strong by ruling with justice and goodness from now on and forever. The LORD All-Powerful will do this because of his strong love for his people.

6. Peace Announcement

> x Luke 2:14 (AV)

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

> x John 14:27 (AV)

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

> John 20:19–21 (AV)

19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

- Turn to any of Paul’s letters they begin with “GRACE” & “PEACE’

- God calls Himself the “God of Peace

- No peace in the world.

- Two reasons:

• The opposition of Satan

• The disobedience of men

+ Mark 4:35–41 (AV)

35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.