Peacemaking 101预览

PEACE, A FAITH FUNDAMENTAL

The first important truth about peace is that it does not happen by itself. From the moment that Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, peace in its natural state was gone. The serpent would be at odds with the woman, the woman would be at odds with the man and the man would be at odds with the earth (Genesis 3). The only way to restoration was through Someone who could make peace.

The promise of such a Peacemaker was fulfilled when Jesus Christ was born. "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6, NLT). Peace was restored on earth when Jesus bought forgiveness for sin on the cross. "This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel – that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all" (Acts 10:36, NLT).

But Christ's work of making peace did not end when He ascended to heaven. He left his children with the same power to make peace by forgiving sins when He gave us the Holy Spirit. "Again he said, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.' Then he breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven' "  (John 20:21-22, NLT).

Do you believe that you have the power to bring peace on earth? 

Over the next few days, we will learn more about how to be peacemakers. Through the forgiveness of sin, Christ's peace-making power lives in us.