Welcome!
Today: The price/cost of peace
Passage: Eph 2, Prov 13
17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. (Eph 2, NIV 84)-
The announcement of the arrival of Christ into the world was an announcement of peace (Luke 2:14)
Jesus achieved peace for us on the cross, by sacrificing His very life, not through some “peace negotiations” or “peace talks”!
We became Christians because of some missionary’s sacrificial work and announcement of the gospel in our land/neighborhood. Someone took the pain to come to our part of the world and announce the gospel of peace.
Through the peace that Christ achieved once and for all by/on the cross, we have continuous, unrestricted access to God almighty!
He (Christ) is our peace; the angel announced “peace” to Mary, when the birth of Jesus was announced. Christ achieved and announced peace!
When Jesus appeared to disciples after His resurrection, He said “Peace”
Today, many people are struggling with no peace in their personal, family and community life. There may be a million ways to make money, but only one way to achieve true peace- through Christ alone!
…The peace that is beyond all understanding and beyond all human ability..
To have peace with God, we need to crucify our selfishness and ego/pride; to have peace in the family/workplace, someone needs to sacrifice something. Above all, we need to pray sacrificially
Peace comes through obedience as well. When a son/daughter obeys their parent, there is peace. Obedience involves a sacrifice of our own self/ego. It involves listening-patiently!
Peace also involves dialogues (not a monologue). Communication is the key!
If we continue in disobedience to God, we are breaking our peace with God
Many people do not want to obey God because of fear that they will be out of a big structure or denomination. Many denominations have made themselves like a tower of Babel! When God steps in, the very “tower” in us will be demolished!
When Christ rules the heart, peace rules the day!
Jesus is our strong tower and refuge: He is our peace. No other tower!
Peace through sacrifice, obedience, listening, prayer, patience, dialogue…..
God bless us through the week, as we choose to have peace and make peace
God’s Peace! Amen!
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to have peace within as well as outside; make me a peace-maker, not a peace-breaker. No matter what, I want to please you Lord, and bring peace in troubled situations. So help me Lord Jesus. Amen
Proverbs 16 (verses from NIV 84)
1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.
2 All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
7 When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.