The Prince Of Peace Series

A CHILD IS BORN

The Prince of Peace – He Can Fill…

Isaiah 9:6

Introduction:

Is it really possible?

Peace, I mean.

Can we really have peace on this earth? Or is it just a pipe dream that we cling to around the Christmas season?

Each year thousands of Christmas cards go out conveying this sentiment of peace – “Peace on Earth”; “PEACE”.

Were the angels feeding us a line when they said

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14

Because honestly it seems like we’ve had anything but peace since the world began. Has there ever been a time in human history where there was world peace? Everyday we see the news headlines filled with reports from the war in Iraq, the war on terror, the war against crime, etc.

PEACE? I don’t think so.

Our country is also engaged in a cultural war with both sides battling to see their agenda promoted.

PEACE? I don’t think so.

What about within our own homes or within ourselves? Do we have peace?

One guy says, “My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far today, I have finished 2 bags of chips and a chocolate cake. I feel better already.”

Is that the best we can do?

Is that what Jesus meant when he said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Jesus promised us he would leave us peace – John 14:27 “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.”

Did he break his promise, or can he really live up to the final name given him in Isaiah 9:6?

Isaiah 9:6 “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.”

I believe he can give us peace – an unimaginable peace.

Philippians calls this the “peace of God”.

Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

God can give us his peace – a peace that passes all understanding.

This peace cannot be comprehended.

This is the peace that keeps us anchored when our world is crumbling.

Anyone can be peaceful when your life is in order and your sitting on the white sand beaches of some Caribbean island sipping umbrella drinks.

But the peace that God can give comes when your job is going no where, the kids are driving you nuts, the finances don’t add up and generally you are being battered with the storms of life.

Sounds good?

How can we have it?

What do I need to do to experience that type of peace?

To have the peace of God you must have…

PEACE WITH GOD

It is not possible to have the peace of God without peace with God.

It all starts right here.

Having peace with God goes back to what we discussed last week.

Each of us, because of our sin, has a problem with God.

Our sin has separated us from God.

In fact, the Bible often refers to us in our lost, sinful condition, as the “enemies of God”.

A reconciliation (or peace treaty) had to be signed.

God’s peace treaty was signed with the blood of Jesus Christ.

Through his sacrifice we are reconciled to God – Colossians 1:20-21 “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.”

When we put our complete faith and trust in Jesus Christ our salvation is settled and we have peace with God.

Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

If you want the peace of God you have to make peace with God through belief in Jesus Christ.

Until that occurs we may have fleeting moments of peace, but we’ll never have the peace that passes understanding.

If I haven’t made my peace with God then underneath the external peace will be that nagging war that rages between God and me.

He’s ready to make peace – he’s provided the written accord and the pen to sign. All we have to do is pick it up and sign it.