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Why Did Jesus Say 'Peace to You'?
Sermon by David C. GrabbeIn the midst of a world overflowing with words, God's revelation stands in stark contrast with its precision and purpose. Among the few, deliberate words spoken by Jesus Christ after His resurrection, His declaration of peace to the disciples carries profound weight. In John 20:19-22, Jesus appeared to them, saying, "Peace be with you," and again, "Peace to you," emphasizing the significance through repetition. This urgency mirrors other instances where He reiterated vital truths to ensure understanding. Eight days later, in John 20:26-28, He again spoke, "Peace to you," ensuring even Thomas, previously absent, received this divine pronouncement. Though Jesus earlier stated He did not come to bring peace on earth but division (Matthew 10:34, Luke 12:51), explaining the separation caused by discipleship, He later clarified in John 16:33 that in Him, peace is possible despite worldly tribulation. In John 14:27, He promised, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you," linking this peace to the Holy Spirit and His enduring presence. When He appeared post-resurrection, He resumed this assurance, tying His words to the Passover conversation, reinforcing that He would not leave them alone. Peace, as revealed in Scripture, is multifaceted, encompassing wholeness, harmony, and well-being, both individual and communal. God is the source of this peace, an attribute of His nature, as seen in the priestly blessing of Numbers 6:24-26, where the Lord grants peace alongside His gracious presence. Similarly, in Judges 6:23-24, the Lord spoke, "Peace be with you," to Gideon, who named an altar "The-LORD-Is-Peace," reflecting God's steadfast desire for abundance and goodness. This contrasts with human nature's restlessness, highlighting that true peace comes only from Him. When Jesus spoke peace, His words carried divine force, rooted in His nature and authority. Unlike ordinary speech, His utterances, as the One who spoke creation into existence, effect momentous change. This power is echoed in Daniel 10:19, where an angel's words of peace strengthened Daniel, illustrating the impact of divinely commissioned speech. Jesus, as the Prince of Peace foretold in Isaiah 9:6-7, and the One whose chastisement brought peace in Isaiah 53:5, declared a peace that transcends mere calm, offering reconciliation with God and among His followers, as described in Ephesians 2:14-18. This peace, encompassing spiritual well-being and freedom from fear, is available to those in Christ. His few, eternal words have commanded it into existence. Yet, experiencing this peace requires a strong connection to Him, as the Vine, prioritizing and pursuing Him with all one's heart, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11-13, where the Lord declares thoughts of peace to give a future and hope.
The Beatitudes, Part 7: Blessed Are the Peacemakers
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThis world lauds warmakers, but God says that peacemakers are blessed. The first step in becoming a peacemaker is to be reconciled to God.
The Peacemakers
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen people are not in a right relationship with God, peace is impossible. Sin (the breaking of the law or covenant) automatically breaks the peace.
Our Hope
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our hope is based on having a living Savior. At times we are discouraged and overwhelmed, but God has not left us—though unseen, He is in the trials with us.
The Third Commandment: Idolatry
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the the Third Commandment, God's name describes His character, attributes, and nature. If we bear God's name, we must reflect His image and His character.
The Commandments (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe prohibition against taking God's name in vain is the least understood commandment. When we bear God's name, we are to bear His character and nature.
The Third Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany think the third commandment deals only with euphemisms and swearing, but it goes much deeper. It regulates the quality of our worship and glorifying God.
Holiness (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo appropriate the name of God means to represent His attributes, character and nature. Our behavior must imitate Christ just as Christ revealed God the Father.
The Post-Resurrection Last Words of Christ (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must be involved in proclaiming His message, feeding the flock, living His example, assuming the responsibilities of our awesome commission.
John (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWhile the other accounts of Jesus' trial and crucifixion seem to show passivity, John shows Jesus totally in charge, purposefully and courageously moving.
Passover and New Creation
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)God has a two-phased project, first a separation process, followed by a unification process, in which all will be gathered and unified into Christ.
Unity
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEach member of Christ's body must choose to function in the role God has ordained to produce unity, emulating Christ in striving to please the Father
Snapshots (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAmong the greatest challenges we face is not to let a bad snapshot—or even a whole progression of them—convince us that the journey is not worth continuing.
Government (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe authority in the ministry is a 'staff position,' given by God, as a gift for equipping the saints for service and for edifying the body of Christ.