Topics: hope, peace
I. Many have no peace
* No Jesus = no peace; Know Jesus = know peace!
- "They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, 'Peace, peace,' but there is no peace. Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; they did not even know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be cast down," says the Lord (Jeremiah 6:14, 15).
- "But in their distress they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and they sought Him, and He let them find Him. In those times there was no peace to him who went out or to him who came in, for many disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands" (2 Chronicles 15:4, 5).
II. Many have false peace
* The world's concept of peace does not provide honest tranquility!
- "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful" (John 14:27).
- If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men (Romans 12:18).
- "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
III. Many have real peace
* We can enjoy real peace with God and walk with the God of peace!
- Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).
- The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock (Isaiah 26:3, 4).
- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus . . . The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:6, 7, 9).
Advent Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins December 6th, 2020
