The PEACE of God
We are in week 2 of 4 of the Advent season. Our sermon explored the profound importance of peace, particularly during Advent.
The true meaning of peace as presented in Scripture, moves beyond superficial harmony and material comfort. To establish this we examine the role of John the Baptist and Jesus in preparing the way for true peace, which comes through repentance and reconciliation with God.
Takeaways:
- True peace is more than just getting along or feeling comfortable; it’s about being in right relationship with God.
- Repentance is crucial for experiencing genuine peace. Both John the Baptist and Jesus began their ministries with a call to repent.
- God’s forgiveness, while sometimes challenging for us to comprehend, is a powerful demonstration of His love and the path to peace.
As we continue through this Advent season, I encourage you to reflect on the PEACE acronym that we will discuss today:
P – Pardon: Recognize your need for God’s forgiveness
E – Examine: Reflect on areas of your life that may not align with God’s will
A – Admit: Acknowledge your sins honestly to God
C – Change: Commit to turning from sin and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform you
E – Experience: Embrace the peace that comes from being right with God
Let’s remember that we are all called to “prepare the way of the Lord” in our own lives and in guiding others.
May we be bearers of true peace in a world that desperately needs it.
Praying for God’s peace and blessings upon your life,
Pastor Jeremy
jeremy.skaggs@covenantlove.net
www.covenantlove.net
Preparing the Way of Peace: Repentance and Forgiveness in Advent
Luke 1.76-79
The Importance of Peace
- Jesus’ words in John 14.27
- Common perceptions of Christmas peace
Beyond Superficial Harmony
- Caution against confusing Christmas peace with superficial harmony
The Illusion of Material Comfort
- Equating peace with material comforts
- Limitations of this perspective
The Birth of Hope
- Introduction to Zechariah and Elizabeth
- Prophecy about John the Baptist
- Focus on Luke 1.76-79
Preparing the Way
- John the Baptist’s role
- Luke 3.1-21
A Collective Call
- Emphasis on the collective nature of the call to prepare the way
The Path to Peace
- John’s first sermon (Matthew 3.1-2)
- Jesus’ first sermon (Matthew 4.17)
The Need for Repentance
- Sin as treason in God’s Kingdom
- Importance of repentance for peace with God
The Controversy of Forgiveness
- Skeptics’ perspective
- Religious leaders’ struggle (Luke 7.47-48)
The Challenge of Blanket Forgiveness
- Reactions to unconditional forgiveness
- Hunter Biden example
A Moment for the Gospel
- Opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel
- Isaiah 53.5
Understanding Peace: A Simple Acronym
- P: Pardon
- E: Examine
- A: Admit
- C: Change
- E: Experience
Time of Prayer
- Thank Jesus for Salvation
- Pray for someone who needs peace with God
Conclusion: The Way of Peace
- Reminder of true peace through repentance and forgiveness
Small Group Guide: The Pathway to Peace
Opening Prayer:
Begin your session with a prayer, asking God to guide your discussion and help everyone understand and apply the message of peace.
Key Takeaways:
- True peace goes beyond superficial harmony or material comfort.
- We are all called to “prepare the way of the Lord” and lead others to peace with God.
- Repentance is essential on the pathway to peace.
- God’s forgiveness, though sometimes controversial, is a powerful demonstration of His love and grace.
- Understanding and experiencing peace involves Pardon, Examination, Admission, Change, and Experience (PEACE).
Discussion Questions:
- What does “peace” mean to you? How has your understanding of peace changed after hearing this sermon?
- The sermon mentions that we often confuse Christmas peace with superficial harmony or material comfort. Can you share an experience where you realized the difference between these and true peace?
- How do you feel about the idea that we are all called to “prepare the way of the Lord”? What challenges or opportunities does this present in your life?
- The sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance in finding peace with God. Why do you think repentance is so crucial? Explain how you have experienced this in your own life.
- Discuss the controversy surrounding the concept of blanket forgiveness. How does God’s forgiveness differ from human forgiveness? How does this impact your view of grace?
- Reflect on the PEACE acronym (Pardon, Examine, Admit, Change, Experience). Which of these steps do you find most challenging? Why?
- How can we effectively share the message of true peace with others, especially during the Advent season?
Practical Applications:
- This week, take time each day to go through the PEACE acronym in your personal prayer time.
- Identify one person in your life who needs to experience peace with God. Commit to praying for them daily and look for opportunities to share the gospel with them.
- Reflect on areas in your life where you need to repent. Write these down and bring them to God in prayer, asking for His forgiveness and guidance to change.
- Practice explaining the concept of God’s forgiveness to someone who might be skeptical. How would you address their concerns or objections?
- As a group, brainstorm ways to “prepare the way of the Lord” in your community during this Advent season. Choose one idea to implement together.
Closing Reflection:
Read aloud John 14.27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Spend a few moments discussing what Jesus meant that he’s leaving us with peace and giving us peace and how that differs from the world’s peace.
Closing Prayer:
End your session by praying for each other, especially focusing on areas where group members need to experience God’s peace. Pray for courage and opportunities to share this message of peace with others.