Living In God’s Favor

-Isaiah had spoken 700 years earlier about the Messiah, calling Him the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6-7 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.

-We can have peace with God because God loves us and favored us enough to send Jesus to earth to live and die for us. Being at peace with God means that we have trusted in Jesus and His work on the cross. In Ephesians 2, Paul said that Jesus Himself is our peace, who has broken down the wall of division between us. We have peace because we have been forgiven and set free from the bondage that sin brings. We have peace because the Holy Spirit lives within us and brings us peace. We have peace because regardless of where we’ve been, we know where we are going.

-Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Conclusion: As we wrap this up, God has offered His kindness and good will to all mankind. He wants to accept you as His own, offering close friendship and approval. If and when we accept his favor, our response will be one of praise to Him for who He is – God in the highest heaven! And where once there was turmoil and restlessness we find peace, calm tranquility, wholeness and blessing.

-Let me just say that God’s favor does us no good unless we respond to Him. We can admire His gift to us from afar, but until we reach out to receive it, it remains as what could have been ours, but was never accepted.

John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. Let’s bow our heads for a moment. If you need to receive the gift of God’s favor, would you lift your hand so I can pray for you? God likes you! He wants to be close to you and help you in every way.