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Isaac the Peacemaker
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingIsaac was a genuine peacemaker, yielding to interlopers and suffering wrong while trusting God to provide. In all his actions, Isaac exemplified a peacemaker.
The Beatitudes, Part 7: Blessed Are the Peacemakers
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIn a world rife with conflict and animosities, the call to peacemaking stands as a profound challenge and a blessed endeavor. Jesus declares in Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God," highlighting the divine value placed on those who strive for reconciliation. Peacemaking aims to reconcile groups or individuals at odds, requiring a wisdom that is pure and uncontaminated by carnal, self-centered human nature. This wisdom is peaceable, willing to yield, calming, gentle, and tranquil, reflecting the nature of God in the conduct of His children. The vocation of every Christian is to make peace primarily through personal character and conduct. As Paul advises in Romans 14:19, we must pursue the things that make for peace and edify one another, laying aside causes of contention to live in harmony. This involves turning our focus to major matters of salvation rather than minor irritations that disrupt unity. Peacemaking is not merely about mediating disputes but encompasses the entirety of how we live, ensuring our conduct produces no just cause for complaint, as urged in Romans 12:18 to live peaceably with all men as much as depends on us. Jesus, titled the Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6, exemplifies this broader understanding of peacemaking through His life, attitude, and character, not just through mediation. His model shows that peacemaking involves the godliness of the person, a package of attributes that passively avoids disruption and actively creates peace by drawing others to emulate such tranquility. Paul further instructs in Galatians 6:1 to restore others in a spirit of gentleness, considering our own vulnerabilities, thus fostering peace through humility and love. Peacemaking also extends to invoking God's mercy through prayer for the world, the church, and individuals in distress, as seen in biblical examples like Abraham praying for Sodom and Gomorrah, and Moses interceding for Israel. This sacrificial act of righteousness contributes to peace, even if the full impact of our prayers remains unseen in this life. The reward for such efforts is significant; peacemakers shall be called sons of God, reflecting His image and likeness, united in the spiritual body of Christ, manifesting His peaceable disposition to the church and the world. This high standard of peacemaking prepares us for a future role as active and authoritative peacemakers in the World Tomorrow when Christ returns. It is a worthy vocation, demanding our utmost effort to submit to God and seek His glorification through the way we live all of life.
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.
Peacemaking and Unity
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughThe first step to promoting peace is to submit to God at every opportunity throughout our lives, putting down the prompts of our carnal human nature.
'Sons of God?'
Sermonette by Bill OnisickGod gave Jesus Christ to us to restore peace, reconciliation, and harmony with God. In the Beatitudes, the peacemakers are called 'sons of God.'
Vengeance is Mine
Sermonette by Bill OnisickChrist counsels us to love our enemies in order that we may be children of God, demonstrating not only His mercy but also our sonship by being peacemakers.
A Peaceful Spirit
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryIf we consider our relationship with God of small value, our conduct, especially toward our brethren, will show it and produce contention and disunity.
Building Relationships
Sermonette by Ryan McClureThe Scriptures provide many examples of how difficult relationships were dealt with by humility, deference, longsuffering, and prayer.
Offended By Truth
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamJesus Christ has become a stumbling block to the nations which reject Him, while at the same time becoming the Chief Cornerstone of a spiritual Temple.
Restoration and Forgiveness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIt is impossible to grow spiritually in a climate of animosity and jealousy. If we use the power of God's Holy Spirit, peace will accrue as a fruit.
Confessions of a Finger-Pointer
'Ready Answer' by StaffDuring times of unrest and confusion, it is easy to blame others for our problems. Yet finger-pointing is contrary to everything God teaches.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur forgiveness from God is conditional, depending upon our forgiving others. It is an opportunity for us to extend grace, sacrificing as Christ did for us.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon without Becoming Assimilated (Part Seven)
Sermon by David F. MaasTrue peacemaking means emulating Christ, which that involves promoting justice and righteousness, not merely avoiding conflict or appeasing by compromising.
The World's Need for Atonement
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughAccording to the liberal media, all we have to do is get world leaders in one room, and after a few handshakes and a couple of beers—voila! World peace!
Open Mouth, Reveal Heart
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 'just war' doctrine is anti-Christianity. The sixth commandment absolutely forbids it. Jesus' and the apostles' teaching clearly stand against it.
Purpose-Driven Acts of Conciliation
Sermon by Mark SchindlerConciliation involves placating others with the intent to bring harmony and peace. By esteeming others better than ourselves, we become a force for peace.
Anger (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe dare not let the sun go down on our wrath. Uncontrolled anger can be a major cause of mental and physical illness. We must reconcile with our adversaries.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon Without Becoming Assimilated (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasIn a culture which glorifies war heroes and winning at all costs, becoming an ambassador to peace is perhaps the most elusive goal we could ever accomplish.
The Spiritual Mark of the Beast
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnger and hostility, driven by self-centered competitive pride constitute Satan's spiritual mark that divides nations, ethnic groups, families, and the church.