Peace

  

Scripture Text

 John 14:27

Intro: Everyone is seeking peace in their lives. There are two types of peace according to Jesus. There is the peace that the world offers and there is the peace that Jesus gives.

1. There is the peace of the world. This is a peace of escapism, of avoiding trouble, of refusing to face things, of unreality. The peace of the world depends on circumstances. World peace at its best is temporary. World peace tries to control everyone, and so the peace the world gives always ultimately fails. It never brings real peace. The world’s peace tries to fix the lack of peace but fails to see that the root of the problem is sin itself in our human nature, something that can only be healed by Christ—not by money, regulation, or reform. Without dealing with the symptoms of sin in mankind's nature won't bring peace.

2. There is the peace that Christ brings. John 14:27 (NKJV)  Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. The peace Jesus brings is not like the world's peace. The Hebrew word is shalom. It means much more than freedom from conflict. It means experiencing the highest good, enjoying the very best, possessing all the inner good possible. It means wholeness and soundness. It means prosperity in the widest sense, especially prosperity in the spiritual sense of having a soul peace that blossoms and flourishes. There are four types of peace from Christ.

a. First, there's a bosom peace. Romans 5:1  Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a peace deep within the soul. It is a calmness of mind, a composure, a peace in our heart that is calm in the face of bad circumstances and situations. It is more than feelings, its more than attitude and thought. It comes from a personal relationship with God the Father.

b. Second, there's the peace of conquest. John 16:33 ^These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
It is the peace independent of conditions and environment; the peace which no sorrow, no danger, no suffering, no experience can take away. The peace of Jesus Christ—the peace that is in Him—is lasting. It is an overcoming peace, a peace that overcomes the trials and tribulations of the world, no matter what they are, even the terrible trials of sin and death.

c. Third, there's the peace of assurance. Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. It is the peace of complete confidence; the peace with a sure knowledge that our life is in the hands of God and that as this scripture says all things will work out for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

d. Fourth, there's the peace of intimacy with God. Philippians 4:6-8 (NKJV) ⁶  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ⁸  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.

 It is the peace of the highest good. It is the peace that settles the mind, strengthens the will, and establishes the heart. Its a peace that helps us think on the positive good things of God's word.

Conclusion: Are you struggling right now with some situation or circumstance? Are you troubled in your soul? Take this outline home. Read and meditate on these scriptures. It will bring peace in the midst of your storm.

Invitation: If you have never experienced the peace of having your sins forgiven, right now confess your sins to Christ, ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your life to take charge of you and give you His peace.

Living as Citizens of Heaven

Scripture Text

Philippians 1:27-30

Intro: There are many who call themselves Christians yet live their lives identical with the world. The bible says we are to live not as the world but as citizens of heaven.

I. Christians are to live worthy of the Gospel. Philippians 1:27a (NLT) Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Being a Christian is indeed a high calling. To live worthy of the Gospel does not mean that one must live perfectly. Instead, Christians ought to live differently because of the grace they have received. When we believe, we become God’s children, Heirs of his promises, and members of Christ’s body. And this privilege was bought at a price—the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Christians ought to reflect a life that brings glory to Christ and shows gratitude to God in every aspect of their lives on earth.

II. Christians are to fight together for the Gospel. Philippians 1:27b (NLT) Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing side by side, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. We are all one in the body of Christ united by the Holy Spirit and we are to fight together for the faith of the Good News. We are in a battle against Satan and the philosophies of the world. The word fight means to agonize, struggle, battle, and contend for the gospel. The K.J.V. of the bible says we are to strive together. The word strive is taken from an athletic term. It is the picture of a team working and struggling together against strong opposition.
Like athletes on a team, we are to work together with one mind focused on one goal—to help advance the faith that comes through the preaching of the gospel. In order to face opposition from the world and Satan, we need to be unhindered by internal dissension, jealousies, and rivalries. We are stronger when we stand together and we show the world that Jesus is for unity and peace.

III. Christians are not to be intimidated by our enemies.   Philippians 1:28 (NLT) Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. Persecution is a sign that the persecutors are doomed. The Spirit of God is able to take their persecution of Christians and convict their hearts of the evil they are doing. Their persecution of a fellow human being causes thoughts of doom and judgment to their hearts: it convicts them, and because of that conviction they stand a better chance of being saved. If a believer stands fast in persecution, it is a clear sign that he is being strengthened by the Spirit of God and is a true believer.

IV. Christians are to trust in Christ and suffer for Him.   Philippians 1:29 (NLT) For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.
We Christians have received a high calling. By God’s grace alone and by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we had been given the privilege of trusting in Christ for our salvation. We also have another privilege: that of suffering for him. Paul considered it a privilege to suffer for Christ. Paul wanted the believers in Philippi and all Christians to understand that suffering persecution was not punishment for their sins, persecution comes from those that do not believe. Suffering for the faith is considered to be a high honor. Peter the disciple who denied knowing Jesus was willing after the Spirit of God came at Pentecost to die for Him. Crucified upside down.

V. Christians struggle together for Christ. Philippians 1:30 (NLT) We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it. Paul and the Philippians faced the same great struggle, contending with Satan for spreading the gospel. Christians all over the world today are struggling against Satan and the adversaries of Christ. Paul wanted to encourage the Philippian Christians in their struggle for Christ. Like the Philippians, we are in conflict with anyone who would stand against the saving message of Christ. Jesus Himself tells us in:Matthew 5:10-12 (NLT) ¹⁰  God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. ¹¹  “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. ¹²  Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. Jesus was telling his disciples and us today that we shouldn’t be surprised when people mock us, persecute us, and lie about us. Jesus faced the same such treatment. He says we are to be glad and rejoice because great will be our reward in Heaven.           

Conclusion: Remember it's not just what we say as Christians, but it's living the Christian lifestyle before others. That's the greatest way to get the attention of a lost and dying world. It's also the best way to bring glory, praise and honor to Christ our Savior and Lord. Then we will hear in heaven “well done good and faithful servant.”

Invitation: If you are a Christian, are you joining with other Christians fighting for the faith? Are you fully trusting in Christ and willing to suffer for Him if need be? Do you realize all Christians are to be struggling together to promote the gospel message?

If you are not a Christian, now is the accepted time to confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him to take charge of your life. Then be baptized! 

Why The Resurrection Is Important!

Intro: Sunday April 17th we will celebrate Jesus' victory over Satan, death, hell and the grave as He was resurrected from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus is crucial to our faith.

I. Some believe and teach there is no resurrection.                                          1 Corinthians 15:12 (NKJV)¹²  Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? Even today all other religions deny the bodily resurrection of Christ. So what if Jesus was not resurrected? Do you know what this means?                                      a. Consequences of no resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:13-19 (NKJV) ¹³  But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. ¹⁴  And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. ¹⁵  Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise. ¹⁶  For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. ¹⁷  And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! ¹⁸  Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. ¹⁹  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, then we have no hope that we will be either. In fact, apart from Christ’s resurrection, we have no Savior, no salvation, and no hope of eternal life. As Paul said, our faith would be “useless,” the gospel would be altogether powerless, and our sins would remain unforgivable. But Then Paul says in: 1 Corinthians 15:20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. There are several things that give us positive witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

II. The resurrection witnesses to the immense power of God Himself. To believe in the resurrection is to believe in God. If God exists, and if He created the universe and has power over it, then He has power to raise the dead. If He does not have such power, He is not worthy of our faith and worship. Only He who created life can resurrect it after death, only He can reverse the power of death itself, and only He can remove the sting of death and gain the victory over the grave. 1 Corinthians 15:50-55 (NKJV) ⁵⁰  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. ⁵¹  Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-- ⁵²  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ⁵³  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴  So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." ⁵⁵  "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" In resurrecting Jesus from the grave, God reminds us of His absolute sovereignty over life and death.

III. The resurrection witnesses to supreme proof of Jesus Christ's deity. Christ's resurrection validates the Old Testament prophecies that foretold of Jesus’ suffering and resurrection. Acts 17:2-3 ²  Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, ³  explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ." Christ’s resurrection also authenticated His own claims that He would be raised on the third day. Mark 8:31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

IV. The resurrection witnesses to the glorious victory for every believer. 2 Corinthians 13:4 For though Jesus was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God. At His coming the bodies of the dead in Christ will be raised up, and those who are alive will be changed and receive new, glorified bodies. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NKJV) ¹³  But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. ¹⁴  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.¹⁵  For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.
¹⁶  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.¹⁷  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
¹⁸  Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Conclusion: This is why the resurrection of Jesus Christ is important. It proves who Jesus is. It demonstrates that God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. It shows that God has the power to raise us from the dead just like He did Jesus. It guarantees that the bodies of those who believe in Christ will not remain dead but will be resurrected unto eternal life. Let us then enter into resurrection Sunday with hearts of thanksgiving.

Invitation: Have you taken advantage of Christ's resurrection? If not now is the time to confess your ins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you. Then invite Him into your life to give you eternal life and take charge of your life until you leave this earth to be with Him.