There is a difference between being a peacemaker and a peacekeeper!
Matthew 5:9-11 helps us understand the difference between the two and how to pursue a life of being a peacemaker.
Message Notes 03/06/2024
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. - Matthew 5:9
Summary: Tangible Vision for a New Humanity
The beatitudes = Character, Descriptors of those living in the kingdom of God.
Question: Who is blessed and how good is their life?
Triad 1: God's Kingdom is coming to the least likely people.
Triad 2: Character of people most at home in God's Kingdom.
Triad 3: Cost and reward of following Jesus.
What is your version of Peace?
Does it look something like the image below, maybe it's being in Mosselbay or on a hike.
" 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." - Matthew 5:10-11
Seek Peace
Peacemakers reflect the character traits of Jesus and God the Father.
Biblical peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the presence of harmony.
Peacemaker = Passive + Active
Peacemaker does not = Peacekeeper
"According to the Scripture, the trouble is in the heart of man and nothing but a new heart, nothing but a new man can possibly deal with the problem. It is out of the heart that evil thoughts, murders, adultery, fornication, jealousy, envy, malice, and all these other things proceed; and while mean are like that there will be no peace." - DM Llyod Jones
It begins with a new heart!
Make your primary concern the Glory of God.
Learn not to speak. "19 My Dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for human anger does not accomplish God's righteousness." - James 1:19-20
View every situation in the light of the gospel.
Actively Pursue Peace
"11 Come my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days." - Psalm 34:11-12
Bring a state of peace wherever you go. "13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. 14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." - Psalm 34:13-14
Persecution.
Righteousness: Living in the right relationship with God, other people, and all creation. Living justly, honestly, and faithfully according to God's Instruction.
To end this off here is a question to think about: Are you a peacemaker or a peacekeeper?
Preach by: RJ Vischer
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