Peace on Earth
Pastor Todd Blansit
New Life Church
December 8, 2024

Jesus brings peace between God and us.
The root of all conflict is the same sin. It is in all of us and it fundamentally breaks us, affecting every relationship we have, first and foremost with God. In fact, it makes us his enemies!

God is perfectly holy, which means that he is completely separate from sin.
While he longs to connect with us, our sin makes that impossible. He did something to remove that barrier of sin that stood between us and him. He sent Jesus to sacrifice his life to pay the price for our sin.

In today's world, peace often feels elusive. Global conflicts, personal struggles, and the constant noise of daily life leave many longing for a calm, centered existence. As Christians, we are called to a deeper understanding of peace not just as the absence of conflict, but as a profound, abiding in God. The Bible tells us that peace is both a promise and a gift from God, one that transcends circumstances and speaks to the deepest parts of our souls.

Peace as God's Promise.
The Bible is filled with references to peace, beginning in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, encompasses wholeness, harmony, and completeness. It is not merely the absence of trouble but the presence of everything needed for well-being.

When Isaiah prophesied the coming of the Messiah, he called Him the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, bringing reconciliation between humanity and God through His death and resurrection.
This peace is not the absence of trouble, but knowing He is always with us!

Sharing the Gospel of Peace
Ephesians 6:15 describes the armor of God, calling the gospel the gospel of peace. Sharing the good news of Jesus is one of the most profound ways to bring peace to others. It is through Christ that people can find reconciliation with God and true inner peace.
In a world fractured by division, we are called to be bridge-builders

What if peace can break through our locked doors? What if peace can show up, even in the midst of fear? The Peace of Christ, God’s abiding peace, can do that. That is one of the messages of this story and one of the proclamations of our faith.
And this message of peace, grace, and abiding love is for all of us.