Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom his favor rest." (NIV).
Pride is what led to man¡¦s first act of disobedience.
1. THEREFORE CHRIST HAS MADE PEACE AMONG MEN.
Vs. 14-15 "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace." (NIV)
-Christ broke down the wall between Jews and Gentiles and with it the hostility.
Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (NIV)
-Without humility, there is no harmony.
Colossians 3:15 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." (NIV)
-We are called to put out fires, not start them.
2. THEREFORE CHRIST HAS MADE PEACE BETWEEN MAN AND GOD.
Vs. 16-17 "and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near." (NIV)
-What does "RECONCILE" mean?
Colossians 1:19-20 "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 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." (NIV)
-Reconciliation is a restoration of something that was there before.
Therefore reconciliation is only possible because of the cross.
2 Corinthians 5:20b-21 "We implore you on Christ¡¦s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (NIV)
Is Christ a part of your life?
And do you have peace in your heart?
