Peace

Psalm 85:8 - 8 I listen carefully to what God the

LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his people, his

faithful ones. But let them not return to their foolish

ways.

John 14:27 - 27“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of

mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the

peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Phil. 4:6-7 - 6Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray

about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him

for all he has done. 7If you do this, you will experience

God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human

mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and

minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Col. 3:12-15 - 12Since God chose you to be the holy

people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with

tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and

patience. 13You must make allowance for each other’s

faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember,

the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14And

the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love.

Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony.

15And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your

hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to

live in peace. And always be thankful.

II Thess. 3:16 - 16May the Lord of peace himself

always give you his peace no matter what happens. The

Lord be with you all.

Peace......so many thoughts come to our minds when the

word is used......

A. Lying on our backs in clover and Indian paint

brushes......the breeze gently blowing....the

temperature, just right......a lake....the birds

singing....etc. (you paint the picture).

B. Peace......that quiet time with your mate, after

the children have been tucked into bed....the

quiet times together before a lit fireplace.

C. All during WW II, there was a yearning for peace

from the fighting.

1. Beautiful songs were written about peace....

songs such as: The White Cliffs Of Dover.

D. There is even a serenity and peace in the concept

of death.

1. Life, itself, seems to be an enemy of peace.

Such a beautiful thought......such a great word.

A. At no time does this word or do these thoughts

gender trouble, stress, or fear.

1. The word, itself, almost seems to take on

medicinal qualities.....a balm to our soul.

a. This is the desire of all humanity....

whether Christian or non-Christian, alike.

1.) We want rest from all the wars and

conflicts, and arguments, and

political in-fighting.

2.) We want to be free from all worry...

all cares....all upsetting concerns.

3.) We don’t want our consciences

beating us and the guilt disturbing

us.

4.) Most importantly....we, as

Christians......want a real and

tangible peace between us and our

God.

1.) This is behind the whole

concept of forgiveness of sins.

2.) We understand that when the

blood of Christ washes over

our sins.....they are obliterated

.......God remembers them no

more....He can now look at us

and see His Son....and be at

peace with us.

Equally understood, is this: Again....if we revert to a love

of sin.....to the habits of sin....to a “peace” with sin.....we

lose our peace, again, with God.

A. We all certainly want peace, but perhaps we need

to be reminded of just what is necessary to

maintain that peace in our lives.

I. Those who continue in doing that which is right in the

sight of God (we call it righteousness) maintain the

blessings of peace with God.

Romans 2:7-10 - 7He will give eternal life to those who

persist in doing what is good, seeking after the glory and

honor and immortality that God offers. 8But he will pour

out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves,

who refuse to obey the truth and practice evil deeds. 9There

will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on

sinning—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. 10But

there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all

who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile.

A. Christ came to bring a message to the lost....to

break down the barrier between man and God.

1. This was Christ’s mission.

a. That mission is still real and still lives on

through those who claim His name.

2. Not only do we experience peace with God,

when we become a Christian.....but we also

become vessels of peace to others.

a. The “doing of good” mentioned in the

previous passage is the sowing of the

Word of reconciliation and peace.

Matt. 5:9 - 9 God blesses those who work for peace,

for they will be called the children of God.

3. The ones who make peace happen, in this

world are those who work to reconcile God