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Peace
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsTrue, heartfelt peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a positive, proactive yielding to God and goodwill toward all. God has called His saints to peace, expecting them to keep His commandments, and in return, He grants peace of mind. When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Peace leads to more peace, washing away strife and fear as a river sweeps away debris. Righteousness and peace are deeply connected, as righteousness produces peace with its qualities of quietness and assurance. At the same time, peace provides the proper environment for righteousness to grow, with one building upon the other. A home without peace hinders the development of righteousness, underscoring their interdependence. Peace requires conscious effort on our part, as it must be sought and pursued through overcoming while asking God to grant it. Although it is a gift from God through Jesus Christ, making peace takes real work and is not merely the elimination of discord. Ultimately, Jesus Christ Himself will bring peace to all mankind.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughPeace, as revealed in the Scriptures, is often a product of righteousness, emerging as a state of mind and heart that reflects harmony with God. It is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound inner satisfaction and serenity derived from living a full life aligned with divine purpose. When a person's ways please the Lord, even their enemies are made to be at peace with them, demonstrating that righteousness sows seeds of tranquility. This peace is a quality of life that Jesus Christ offers, distinct from the world's fleeting calm, as He imparts a state of being not native to humanity. A pure-hearted individual, influenced by heavenly wisdom from God, tends to foster peace within themselves and with others, avoiding self-centered conflict and pursuing harmony. Such a person will not induce strife but will follow the counsel to pursue peace with all and to seek things that edify one another. Righteousness, therefore, acts as the seed from which peace grows, requiring the proper conditions to flourish. Peace serves as the fertile ground for the fruit of righteousness to mature, much like a gardener nurtures a crop. This fruit includes qualities of purity, uprightness, and goodness, which further cultivate a peaceful disposition. Even in personal relationships, peace is vital for spiritual prosperity, allowing growth into the image of God without the distractions of conflict and anxiety. Moreover, the peace that comes from justification by faith brings reconciliation with God, removing the obstacles of sin and law through Christ's sacrifice. This reconciliation establishes a relationship of peaceful fellowship, sustained by access to Him, from which strength is drawn to face life's trials. This peace, a work of God's Holy Spirit, surpasses worldly understanding, offering a tranquility that the world cannot give or take away, as it rests on the perfect control of His purpose in our lives.
Peace
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidThe effect of righteousness is a profound peace that permeates the heart and mind. When one is right with God, a deep sense of tranquility emerges, offering comfort even amidst the uncertainties of the end times. This peace stems from aligning oneself with God's ways, fostering an inner calm that surpasses worldly understanding. Knowing God's plan and trusting in His promises brings assurance, as it reveals the ultimate outcome of peace and salvation for mankind. By maintaining a steadfast focus on God through prayer, study, and obedience, this peace becomes a sustaining force, guarding against anxiety and fear. As righteousness guides one's actions and thoughts, it builds a foundation of serenity, preparing the individual for the world tomorrow where peace will reign supreme under the governance of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
It is Done! The Perfect Peace of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerPeace as a product of righteousness arises directly from devoted obedience to God's commandments, which embody outgoing concern for both God and man. This obedience fulfills the two great commandments and produces the fruit of peaceful satisfaction, fellowship, and harmony. The peace offering illustrates this connection by depicting all parties—God, priest, and offerer—sharing the same meal in contentment after the burnt and meal offerings have already expressed total devotion. Because the peace offering rests upon those prior sacrifices, it demonstrates that genuine righteousness generates acceptance before God, spiritual strength through feeding, and enduring fellowship free from conflict. Jesus Christ embodies this process completely as the unblemished sacrifice, the mediating priest, and the offerer who perfectly keeps every commandment in love. Those called to follow Him must therefore bring only what He supplies through self-sacrificial living, keeping His commands so that His love remains in them and their joy becomes full. Such righteousness yields great peace that prevents stumbling, guards hearts and minds, and surpasses understanding. The same principle extends to the broader message of God's endgame: a new heaven and new earth in which righteousness dwells, where the government of the Prince of Peace increases without end and war never again arises, because every participant will have learned to live by the law of outgoing concern. Righteousness therefore stands as the sole pathway to the perfect, unbreakable peace prepared from eternity.
Why Did Jesus Say 'Peace to You'?
Sermon by David C. GrabbePeace comes as a result of righteousness because God Himself is the source of peace. The Hebrew concept of shalom encompasses wholeness, harmony, tranquility, safety, prosperity, fulfillment, and health for both the individual and the community. In the New Testament this peace emphasizes spiritual well-being, safety, and completeness within the church rather than merely physical conditions. Jesus declared that in Him His disciples may have peace even while facing tribulation in the world, for true peace depends on connection to Him as the true Vine. To be spiritually minded produces life and peace, whereas the carnal mind remains at enmity with God and His law. Christ's post-resurrection pronouncement of peace to the disciples resumed the assurances given on the Passover evening that the Helper, the Holy Spirit, would abide with them. One fruit of that Spirit is peace, which flows from the righteousness accomplished by His sacrifice. That sacrifice satisfied the debt for sin, ended God's controversy with the called, and established peace with the Father. The same work also broke down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, reconciling both to God in one body and enabling peace among those in Christ. Because peace originates in God's righteous character and is produced by His Spirit in those who remain connected to the Vine, the disciples and all who follow receive not only freedom from fear but the settled well-being that God intends.
Peace with God Through Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe only possibility of attaining peace is a relationship with God—peace with God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which must continually be refined.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Five): The Peace Offering, Sacrifice, and Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe peace offering teaches many things, but one of its main symbols is fellowship. Our communion with the Father and the Son obligates us to pursue peace.
Doing Righteousness
Sermon by Kim MyersGod's church, because it co-exists with the unrighteousness of the world, is in danger of becoming corrupted or leavened by the world's example.
How Will We See God?
Sermonette by Bill OnisickRevelation 1:6-9 assures us that every eye will see Jesus Christ when He returns, but in what light will we see Him—in earnest joy or abject fear?
Offerings (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe give peace offerings today through living sacrifice, keeping God's law out of love and to glorify Him rather than just to perform duty.
Forgiveness
Article by John O. ReidFollowing our too frequent mess-ups in life, forgiveness is so refreshing! We must forgive others if we are to be forgiven.
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Six)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWorks cannot earn us salvation. However, they play many vital roles in our Christian walk toward the Kingdom of God, especially in developing holiness.
The Priesthood of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must endure chastening and correction to grow in holiness and become priests. In the qualifications of a Melchizedek priest, zeal and holiness are mandatory.
John (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe shepherd and door analogies in John 10 depict the close relationship of Jesus with His flock as the security and stability provided by His protection.