Peace

by | Apr 27, 2019 | Uncategorized

Merry Christmas! And I mean that in the sense that you can continue on “your merry way” – the way of Christ. We’re in the seaon of ADVENT, celebrating the coming of Christ. Christ came! What if Christ had never been born? The world would be a boondoggle. But Christ has come and there is hope. ADVENT includes the four Sundays prior to Christmas Day. It has a double application – looking back to Christ’s first coming and forward to His imminent second coming. In worship at Gateway, our ADVENT theme is God Still Speaks!

God still speaks the language of PEACE. Peace – anybody seen any lately? It seems to be flying to pieces. But Jesus said, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27) Peace is a power, a force, a strength, a fruit of God’s Spirit that Jesus gives us for life on earth. How do we defeat a troubled heart? How do we overcome fear? Jesus said His peace is the answer. Yes! Jesus is still the answer for the world today – and for you and me personally.

How do we get into the peace of Christ and get the peace of Christ into us?Here’s an answer from a Russian Christian I heard some years ago at the Baptist World Alliance in Los Angeles, California, where Christians from around the world gathered. Speaking through an interpreter, he recounted this experience: A small group of believers met in a modest house to pray and receive God’s power and blessing. Only 10 or 15 people could fit. But about the third week there were 25. Then 35. Then 50. Then 75. Then 100. Then 150 people met weekly! How? The homeowner explained that each week he and his wife took out furniture so more people could worship, pray and receive God’s power! Finally, almost no furntiture remained! Then the Russian spoke to our own hearts of the spiritual reality: No place for God, no power from God! No place, no power! There’s another similar, simple, popular but powerful truth about peace that speaks volumes: Know Christ, know peace. No Christ, no peace.

Really want peace that can calm your troubled heart and rescue you from the fears that taunt you? CHRIST is your answer. Make a place for Him, first place, and His power comes. Make time to know Him and you will know peace. Which one will it be? Know or No? You decide. Talk to God now, be honest, humble and get your faith into action. Get into His Word. Get with other believers. Go to Christ’s Church. LIFE will start happening! I’ll send you a power-packed pamphlet, Steps To Peace With God, by Dr. Billy Graham, if you want to move forward faster. Contact me today if that’s the case.

Merry Christmas! Peace be in you, in Christ. God still speaks! The Angel of the Lord and his peace-bringers said, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests. (Luke 2:14) Respond to His favor with your faith.

Peace in Christ, Chuck

P.S.: Share your “Peace” story? Let me hear from you.