Isaiah 9:6-7. 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 Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
Isaiah 9:6-7. 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 Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
The Prince of Peace.
Luke 2:11-14.
Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.
Zachariah's prophecy.
Luke 1:76-79.
And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.
Peace.
Ephesians 1: 2.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Wikipedia:
Shalom (Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם shalom; also spelled as sholom, sholem, sholoim, shulem) is a Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquillity and can be used idiomatically to mean both hello and goodbye.
Got Questions.
In a world filled with war and violence, it’s difficult to
see how Jesus could be the all-powerful God who acts
in human history and be the embodiment of peace.
But physical safety and political harmony don’t
necessarily reflect the kind of peace He’s talking about.
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.
The Hebrew word for “peace,” shalom, is often used in reference to an appearance of calm and tranquility of individuals, groups, and nations. The Greek word eirene means “unity and accord”; Paul uses eirene to describe
the objective of the New Testament church.
Got Questions.
But the deeper, more foundational meaning of peace is “the spiritual harmony brought about by an individual’s restoration with God.”
In our sinful state, we are enemies with God.
Romans 5:10. While we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son.
Romans 5:8. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are restored to a relationship of peace with God.
Got Questions.
Romans 5:1. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This is the deep, abiding peace between our hearts and our Creator that cannot be taken away.
John 10:27–28. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.
This is the ultimate fulfillment of Christ’s work as
“Prince of Peace.”
The peace of God.
Isaiah 53:5.
But he was pierced
for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Peace is obtained through the gospel; hence, we read..
2 Corinthians 5: 18-20.
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
Peace is obtained through the gospel; hence, we read..
Ephesians 6: 15.
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
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.
The word readiness implies constant
vigilance.
The word readiness implies constant
vigilance.
A victorious soldier had to be prepared
for battle. He had to have studied his
enemy’s strategy, be confident in his
own strategy, and have his feet firmly
planted so that he could hold his
ground when the attacks came.
A soldier’s battle shoes were studded
with nails or spikes, like cleats, to
help him keep his balance in combat.
He knew that, if he lost his footing and went down, it wouldn’t matter how great the rest of his armor was; the enemy had him. When we are ready with the gospel of peace, we live with the understanding that we are continually under attack from Satan.
2 Timothy 4:2. Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.
No God No peace.
Romans 2:10-18.
There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.
Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.
Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know. There is no fear of God before their eyes.
The Passover:
The Passover:
Justification.
The Feast of unleavened bread:
Sanctification.
The Feast of First Fruits:
Consecration.
The Passover:
Our position.
The Feast of unleavened bread and the Feast of First Fruits:
Our condition.
“Peace with God”.
The Passover:
Delivered from the penalty of sin.
This Feast had to do with
“Peace with God”
Right standing
with Him.
The “Peace of God”.
The Feast of unleavened bread:
Delivered from the power of sin.
The Feast of First Fruits:
Delivered from the presence of sin.
These two Feasts had to do
with the “Peace of God”
Peace in our inner selves.
Peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Romans 14:17-21.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Some Christians fight with each other more than with the Devil.
Peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Romans 14:17-21.
Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
Peace for those who love God’s Law.
Psalm 119:165 (KJV)
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Psalm 29:11.
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Philippians 4:2.
ASV: I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord.
Amp: I urge Euodia, and I urge Syntyche to agree and to work in harmony in the Lord.
CEV: Euodia and Syntyche, you belong to the Lord, so I beg you to stop arguing with each other.
NLT: Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement.
Commentary Philippians 4:2-9.
Paul asks the Philippians to help two women among them, Euodia and Syntyche, come to peace with each other (Phil. 4:2–9). Although our instinctive reflex is to suppress and deny conflict, Paul lovingly brings it into the open where it can be resolved. The women’s conflict is not specified, but they are both believers who Paul says, “have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel” (Phil. 4:3).
Conflict occurs even between the most faithful Christians, as we all know. Stop nurturing resentment, he tells them, and think about what is honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy in the other person (Phil. 4:8). “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7) seems to begin with appreciating the good points of those around us, even (or especially) when we are in conflict with them. After all, they are people for whom Christ died.
The peace of God and our thought-life.
Philippians 4:2-9.
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
The peace of God and our thought-life.
Philippians 4:2-9.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
The peace of God is the result of a disciplined thought-life.
Philippians 4:2-9.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Guard your thought life.
Proverbs 4:23. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
The peace of God is the result of a disciplined thought-life.
Isaiah 26:3. (KJV)
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 48:17-18.
This is what the Lord says your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.
.
Colossians 3:15.
Colossians 3:15.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
It is important to notice that the word “rule” in this verse comes from the Greek word brabeuo, which in ancient times was used to describe the umpire or referee who moderated and judged the athletic competitions that were so popular in the ancient world.
Peace does not come without effort.
Romans 14: 19. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3. As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Psalm 34:14. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
(The scriptures admonish the Christian to pursue Peace)
.
Peace with our fellow man even our enemies.
Romans 12:16-20.
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord. On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.
Proverbs 16:7.
When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
Peace with our fellow man even our enemies.
Romans 12:16-20.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.
Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Don’t sacrifice internal peace for external peace.
Matthew 10:32-39.
Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Don’t sacrifice internal peace for external peace.
Matthew 10:32-39.
For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
The peace of God in the midst of trouble.
John 16:33.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
The peace of God in the midst of trouble.
Watchman Nee: The Lord may not arrange to have us endure hardship every day, but all who work the work of God must not lack the mind to endure such a thing each day.
Suffering may not be a daily experience, yet having a mind to suffer must be present daily.
The Character of God's Workman.
The peace of God in the midst of trouble.
Isaiah 54:10.
Though the mountains be shaken, and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the LORD, who
has compassion on you.
Peace.
There once was a king who announced a painting contest. He was building a new palace, and he wanted the main entrance hall to be decorated with a large work of art. The king envisioned his kingdom as a peaceful land, so whoever's painting best symbolized peace would win a large cash prize.
Over the next few months, hundreds of paintings arrived at the palace. The king decided on the top two. Before announcing a winner, he hung both paintings in the palace for public viewing.
The first painting was of a majestic lake, so tranquil and still that the lush hills behind it were perfectly mirrored in its reflection. The sky was a brilliant blue with soft, puffy clouds floating above. Wildflowers bursting with colour outlined the lake, and a family of deer calmly grazed in a far meadow. All who saw it felt peace and happiness.
The first painting was of a majestic lake, so tranquil and still that the lush hills behind it were perfectly mirrored in its reflection. The sky was a brilliant blue with soft, puffy clouds floating above. Wildflowers bursting with colour outlined the lake, and a family of deer calmly grazed in a far meadow. All who saw it felt peace and happiness.
Peace.
Peace.
The second painting portrayed a tall mountain cliff, rugged and strong. A few small trees grew out of the cracks of the face of the cliff, with gnarled roots clinging for life.
A foamy waterfall angrily crashed down the cliff and into the rocky land below. Above, dark ominous clouds loomed, and in the distance lightning flashed. Halfway up the cliff grew a small bush. In its branches, a bird sat in a nest apparently warming her eggs.
Peace.
The peace of God.
After several weeks, the king declared the second painting the winner.
Confused and upset, the people asked the king to explain his decision. He said, "Peace is not the absence of conflict.
Peace is a state of mind. Those who experience peace have love in their hearts even when turmoil surrounds them.
Why do so many professing Christians have no peace?
Carnality
Romans 8:6.
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Sin
Psalm 85:8.
I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints, but let them not return to folly.
Why do so many professing Christians have no peace?
Worry
Matthew 6:31-33.
So do not worry, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
The counterfeit peace of the world.
1 Thessalonians 5:3-4.
For when they say, 'Peace and safety!' then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labour pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
There is a comfort that we as disciples of Christ can take refuge in.
John 14:1-3.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Change is a matter of choice and not a matter of chance.
We have just gone into a new year; Change is needed, and change is possible, and a new year is a good time to implement change, but things won’t change because you had more to drink this year or because you shot off more fireworks.
Things will only change if you change, and only God can bring about real change. It is not only about having a new nature but about having a renewed mind.
Numbers 6:22-26.
Numbers 6:22-26.
The Lord said to Moses, Tell Aaron and his sons, This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
The peace of God in times of uncertainty.
Psalm 37:37.
Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for
the man of peace.
Psalm 4:8.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
Isaiah 32:17.
And the effect of righteousness
will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and
trust forever.
Today’s Blessing.
Hebrews 13:20-21.
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen