2020 0705 Peace Flows from Forgiveness

Action So far

Action Plan 1 = Serve the Lord = never grow tired of doing good

Action Plan 2 = Everyday Habits = joyful in hope, Patient in affliction, Faithful in prayer

Action Plan 3 = Real Genuine Love = true love from Jesus through us to Others

Action Plan 4 = Practice Hospitality = sharing yourself with others

Action Plan 5 - Forgiveness = the start of blessing

Romans 12:18 NIV

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Nature of Peace

Divine Peace

Ephesians 2:13-14  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace

we live in turbulent times

peace is ever elusive if we look to the world

the blood of Christ, O the precious blood of Jesus

the blood of Jesus has brought us peace

peace is restored when the source of turmoil is removed = SIN

Jesus Christ is and will always be our peace

2. Restored Heart

peace is a valuable companion of a restored heart

a heart that has been redeemed and resonates with jesus in every aspect

a heart that displays all the lovely nature of Jesus

3. Lifestyle of Peace

Colossians 3:15  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

last week it was said that forgiveness was the foundation of bringing blessing to any situation

this week lets go further that true peace cannot be found outside forgiveness

forgiveness by Christ brings us to the point of peace with God

our forgiveness to others enables us to live in peace

to have the peace of Christ rule in our hearts

our forgiveness creates a spiritual opportunity for peace to come to others

Depends on You

Open to the Spirit

we have to take every opportunity to live in peace

we have to be a people who unfailingly and determinedly forgive

even when it hurts to do so

let the law take care of wrong doing if so

let God take care of those who persecute you

your call is to forgive

child protection matter - I reported this man and he is now in prison for 18 months

I still forgive him and will continue to offer him the peace of God

he needs to do his time and then deal with his errors of his ways

2. Wrong Expectations

get your expectations right

our disappointments can only come when our expectations are not met

get your expectations down to zero - then you will always be at peace

actually make Christ your expectation and you will have peace to the full

If Possible

Person of Peace

you must be a person of peace

Matthew 10:13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.

you bring peace into every situation, every encounter

peace does not make you weak but incredibly strong

love triumphs over all and peace confounds

2. Barriers to Peace

Matthew 10:14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.

some people will not accept your peace - pray for them

still not lovely - shake the dust of your feet

people can have a different agenda

people can have deep hurts

people can be damaged from trauma and abuse

bring peace as much as possible