Is it Possible to Have Peace in the World Tonight?

Our Choir along with the Floyd Springs Baptist Church Choir did an EXCELLENT job of leading us in worship on Saturday and Sunday nights through their presentation of "There is Peace in the World Tonight." My heart rejoiced at the message that was in the music. Every choir member lifted their voice in praise to God which in turn lifted our hearts in praise and worship.

In my message on Sunday morning, I quoted a powerful line that comes near the end of the musical presentation. The music changes as the choir sings, "And in despair I bowed my head: “There is no peace on earth,” I said, "For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.”





The events of this past week certainly validate the truth of those words. But thank God for the words that follow.

"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,with peace on earth, good will to men."

I read an interesting article that talks about both war and peace. It begins by saying...

"The history of mankind is the history of wars. Though impossible to calculate accurately, it is estimated that since the beginning of recorded history, around 3,600 BC, the western world has known only about 300 years of peace. That means only eight percent of history has enjoyed peace."

You can read the complete article HERE.





Here is the final point of yesterday's sermon.

1

The PRACTICE of Peace

a.     Peace with God
You and I can have peace with God through Jesus Christ
Romans 5:1 (ESV) "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

b.    Peace of God

                                              i. Philippians 4:7 (ESV)
And the PEACE of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

                           ii. Colossians 3:15 (ESV)
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

c.     Peace with others
It is possible to have peace with others. If the Lord can tear down the barrier that existed between the Jews and Gentiles then he can tear down any barriers that are in your life against any other person.
Ephesians 2:14 (ESV)
14 For he himself is our PEACE, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

d.    Peace at night
Do you have fear and anxiety move in on you in the evening? Well, tell them they are not welcome in your heart or mind. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Focus on Him and the peace that He gives (John 14:27) and then go to sleep.
Psalm 4:8 (ESV)
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

e.     Peace through the WORD
Some lack peace because they are living in their own strength and depending far too much on their own thoughts and ideas with very little of God's Word filling their mind. Well, if you want true peace it is going to come as you fill your mind with the truth of Scripture. Spend time in His Word and you will come to know the Peace that he alone gives.
Psalm 119:165 (ESV)
Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.

f.      Peace for others 

      As believers, we have THE message of peace that everyone needs to hear. Who can you share peace with this week?

i. Romans 10:15 (ESV) And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"

                        

                        ii. Isaiah 52:7 (ESV) 

                        How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." 

Peace to You,

Pastor Mike

How Do We Respond?

David Fairchild over at "The Resurgence" website has written an excellent and timely article on the tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School.

He begins by writing: "Needless to say, words seem weak and impotent during a time like this. We shouldn't turn our heads from this atrocity, but square up our shoulders and look right at it with eyes wide open. God's children are called to weep with those who weep and mourn with those who mourn, and we do both with great hope in the promises of God. It's tempting to want to avoid the horror of such an event, but I believe our Father wants us to see a glimpse of what he sees and feel, for a moment, what he feels. He knows something about the loss of a child."

Read the rest of the article by clicking HERE

Keeping Christ in Christmas is what "Mucks the Whole Thing Up"???

Here is an interesting article that reveals a growing thought among many in our culture. 
NBC Medical Editor Denounces 'Religion Part' of Christmas That 'Mucks the Whole Thing Up' | NewsBusters.org

Here are some interesting facts about Christmas from Pastor Wade Burleson

Wade Burleson is the Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Enid, OK. I believe you will find what he has written here to be interesting and though provoking.

ISTORIA MINISTRIES BLOG: Christmas and the Status Quo in Churches: I sometimes hear evangelicals condemn churches and pastors for being accomodating to culture in their ministries. From having church-wide S...

Sunday Summary - December 9, 2012

Wow! We enjoyed a great day of worship on Sunday. Every Sunday in December is a celebration of Christmas at Everett Springs Baptist. Yesterday we celebrated the JOY that has come to us because of Christmas. In Luke 2:10 we read: "And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."" The message from the angel was 1) Good, 2) Great, and 3) Global.

Because of Christ's birth was can do more than sing "Joy To The World" we can actually live in JOY! That is something to celebrate!

On Sunday evening, our youth and children presented "The Birth of Jesus" using drama, music and multimedia. What a joy to see 18 of our children involved in that special presentation. It was also great to see such a good attendance of our church family and guests for this program. A great time of fellowship was enjoyed by everyone following the program.

On this coming Saturday, December 15 at 6:00pm our choir along with the Floyd Springs Baptist Choir will present a musical program entitled: "There is Peace in the World Tonight." It will be a wonderful program and one that you will want to invite your family and friends to attend along with you.

Celebrating the JOY of Christmas,
Pastor Mike