The promise of peace and the call to peace are powerfully knitted together … the presence of one will absolutely put the other in play.

The promise of peace is clearly stated in these words from Isaiah, “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 Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Peace when our hearts or minds are troubled, peace when we feel that we cannot overcome, peace when it seems that trouble will outlast us … Christ has come to give us peace!

With the presence of this promise … we can be certain that the Lord will give strength to His people and bless His people with peace.

In reality, these are the exact words of Psalm 29:11!

With this reality in mind, remember this …

Whenever Possible, Promote Peace

To do this, we will need to lead with kindness and look for ways to serve. More than that, we will have to love unconditionally and intercede for those who are too stubborn to surrender.

With this as our mandate it is easy to understand that words of Ephesians are not extremely spoken or exaggerated.

We will indeed need to, “… walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)

Whenever Possible, Promote Peace

This call is both profoundly miraculous and at the same time … profoundly messy!

It has been reported that in 1781 Ben Franklin wrote these words to John Adams, “Blessed are the peacemakers’ is, I suppose, for another world … because in this world, they are frequently cursed.”

Unfortunately, that’s true!

Any attempt to promote peace is problematic … things tend to get messier before they turn to be miraculous.

Nonetheless … always remember this … “The promise of peace and the call to peace are powerfully knitted together … the presence of one will absolutely put the other in play.”

Whenever Possible, Promote Peace

▪ Because our words can seed and sustain peace
▪ Because our actions can create and correct
▪ Because our enduring commitment can be secured by His eternal covenant

This is a challenging call … but we need to say yes anyway!

I know I am in … and you?
-Terry-

2022 THEME
Christ Above, Christ Alone, Christ In All … This Is Our Anthem; This Is Our Call