Peace Series

August 01, 2020

The desire of all humanity is peace. But what kind of peace do we want, exactly?

• No war?

• No quarrels, conflicts, arguments with family, friends, co-workers?

• No civil disturbances or riots – law and order?

• No political in-fighting?

• Calm and tranquility?

Is that all there is to peace? A trouble-free existence where nothing bad ever happens – a “don’t worry, be happy” kind of life?

No…. There is more to it than a simple “no-hassle” life.

The peace woven into God’s original creation has been ruined by sin.

• Internal peace was replaced with guilt and shame = NO PEACE.

• Intimate relationship between people was replaced with blame, distrust, jealousy, bigotry, racism………. = NO PEACE.

• The mutually beneficial relationship between man and nature was destroyed and all of creation has been groaning ever since {Romans 8:22} = NO PEACE.

• The biggest hit to peace was upon the relationship between God and man. Adam and Eve ran and hid from God, whose friendship they had enjoyed just the day before --- love was replaced by fear and we’ve been running ever since = NO PEACE.

All aspects of peace have been ruined by sin and restoration is the only solution. Good thing God had a plan - Christ Jesus!

Through Jesus we have Peace WITH God:

• Isaiah 9:6 - 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.

• Isaiah 53:5 - But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

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

• Ephesians 2:13-14 - But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,

• Colossians 1:19-20 - For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—

Jesus is the Bridge that restores peace between us and God.

Here are a few news headlines from this week:

• Virus back with a vengeance in places where it had vanished

• The worst states to be unemployed

• Hospitalizations among kids jumps 23% in Florida

• New threat in Atlantic as Hurricane Douglas nears Hawaii

• Protests continue over fight for racial equality

• Pessimism mounting among SF Bay Area small business owners

Satan is doing everything possible to steal our peace ---- But through Jesus we have the Peace OF God.

There once was a King who offered a prize to the artist who painted the best picture of peace. The competition came down to 2 paintings:

• The 1st was of a calm lake surrounded by towering mountains and blue sky with fluffy white clouds floating by.

• The 2nd had mountains too - rugged and bare. The sky was angry – lightning danced and rain fell. Down the mountain tumbled a foaming, violent waterfall. Behind the waterfall a tiny bush grew and within its branches a mother bird had built a nest. In the midst of the chaos there sat the mother bird in perfect peace.

The King chose the 2nd painting….. He explained, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace."

• Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

• Psalm 4:8 - I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

• Matthew 11:28 - Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

• John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.