Life Bridge Christian Church
Sunday Services 3/7/2021
Description: Our world is full of conflict between people. Whether it's petty arguments or wars between nations, we see conflict and hostility as an everyday reality. We lack peace. In a divided world, Jesus calls his people to a radical work in the world: peacemaking. No, not the weak and wimpy type of peace the world offers us, but a mighty peace that takes hold when wrongs are undone and relationships are made right. Through Jesus, we've discovered God's great plan for peace: the cross. The cross is God's instrument to making peace not just between man and man, but between man and God. If we will truly discover what it means to be people of the cross, we will become a force for God's peace in our world. After all, peacemaking is our family business.
Matthew 5:9 CSB
Every family is defined by an unspoken value system and culture
Ephesians 2:19-22 CSB
1. Peacemaking is part of the "Familect" of God's people
Common approaches to conflict:
• The Appeaser
• The Bystander
• The Scorched earther
• The Mushy middle-grounder
• The Silent sufferer
PEACEKEEPING is addressing existing conflict with the goal of resolving the underlying issues and hostilities.
In a DIVIDED WORLD, Jesus people stand out for seeking God's PEACE
2. Jesus people make peace because they're peaceful people
James 4:1-3 CSB
Conflict is always the result of selfishness
Romans 12:16-21 CSB
Peaceful people are committed people
• Committed to integrity
• Committed to selflessness
• Committed to goodness
Jesus people are dead ends for drama because they are committed to God's way of peace
3. The cross is God's approach to making peace
Ephesians 2:14-16 CSB
The cross makes peace:
• Between me and God
• Between me and you
• Between us and them
• Between them and them
Peacemaking is the Biblical practice of addressing and resolving existing hostilities through the power of Christ's sacrificial love
4. Jesus people make peace because they are concerned for the glory of God
Luke 2:13-14 CSB
Jesus People seek peace because they love God
5. Peacemakers work joyfully at the family business
Peacemakers are blessed because they are demonstrating that they are part of the Father's family
“There is no more godlike work to be done in this world than peacemaking”. (John Broadus)
One Big Thing: People of the cross are people of peace
If you're ready to make a LIFELONG, LIFESTYLE decision to follow Jesus, please reach out to us or to someone you know at Life Bridge so that we can get in touch. To talk to one of our pastors, reach out to us by giving us a call at (920) 494-4042, emailing lbccgb@gmail.com or through our social media pages