https://youtu.be/MbQr1JEje-M

6/9/21 • FVC

How many of you remember the first time you experienced turbulence on an airplane? … Was it scary?

Yeah well, if that’s how you felt when a little plane shook for a few seconds, imagine what it will be like when God Shakes the entire earth, and the sun and stars above rattle off track. Even the wildest turbulence is going to feel like a gentle message when the Lord’s shaking comes. Everything that can be destroyed, will be destroyed. That was the topic of last week’s text, and it was designed to stir up your desires for a strong foundation, showing you that Jesus offers a way of escaping destruction, that He offers you an unshakable life, built on Him, or as the text says (Hebrews 12:28) in verse 28, Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.

Tonight’s text follows that up by instructing God’s people how to express their gratitude, or how to offer up acceptable worship. and then it ends with a word of amazing grace, a precious and very potent promise designed to supply the power you need to pour out your praise.

So pay attention. There are riches for you in this text. Listen to it and listen to it again. Wrestle with the text and study it. Think it over and take it to God in prayer until the Word blossoms and yields its fruit. Put in the work, take the word and preach it to yourself.

After all, it’s been said that if you rake the surface, you get leaves. but if you dig down deep, you get diamonds.  

ok then, Listen now to the word of the living God as He speaks to you. (Hebrews 13:1-6)

Let brotherly love continue. 

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,

for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them,

and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.

Let marriage be held in honor among all,

and let the marriage bed be undefiled,

for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have,

for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

The church is inheriting a Kingdom which cannot be shaken and that Unshakable kingdom is being built up out of, the very shaky world that you currently live in.

The way that the unshakable and precious is separated from the shaky and worthless is by violently shaking everything and everyone and letting the worthless crumble while all that is of true lasting value remains.

When the author describes the second and last shaking, it’s the sun and the moon and the stars that quiver and tremble. It’s the very foundations of the earth, the depths of the seas and the mighty mountains. These are pictures of the most stable things. They represent the things that you count on the most, the things that provide for you, that guide you and define you.

The author is writing to the Hebrews to prepare them, for God had already started to shake their world. Things were falling apart for them and the Lord was about to send the Romans to execute His Judgment on Israel. Things were about to turn very violent. Because their people had corrupted the pure religion of their fathers.

https://youtu.be/9ezX8ajhQLI

Two Blind Men Healed- Matthew 9:27-30

Matthew 9:27-30. And when Jesus departed thence — from the ruler’s house; two blind men, who probably had heard of His being there, and waited for His coming out; followed him — As he went through the streets, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us — The title which they here give him, shows that they believed him to be the Messiah; for, at this time, it was not only universally understood that the Messiah would be a descendant of David, but Song of Solomon of David was one of the names then ascribed to him by the Jews. 

As these men were blind, they could have no evidence of Christ’s miracles from their senses. They believed them, therefore, on the testimony of others who had seen them. Viewed in this light, their persuasion of Christ’s power to cure them was an exercise of faith highly commendable in them, and which reflected great honor upon Jesus.

The blind men came to him - That is, they followed him into the house. They showed a determination to persevere until they obtained what they asked.

Jesus asks, “Believe ye that I am able to do this?”- To work such a miracle. Though they had followed him and cried after him, yet he required of them an open profession of their faith in regard to his power.

They said unto him, Yea, Lord - We have no doubt of this. We came with that assurance: we have followed You with that belief. It was on this simple profession of their faith that the miracle was performed.

Then touched he their eyes.—This is the first recorded instance of the method which our Lord seems always to have adopted in the case of the blind, and, in part also, in that of the deaf. 

According to your faith ... - That is, you have "believed" that you could be healed, be healed accordingly. Your faith covered the whole extent of the work respecting my power and the absolute restoration to sight, and that power is exerted accordingly, and your sight is restored.

Jesus straitly charged them, saying, see that no man know it. This was a very strict charge, and according to the signification of the word here used, it was given with great sternness of countenance, and severity of expression, in a very rough manner. The reasons for concealing the miracle are not very obvious nor is it recorded. Perhaps to shun all appearance of vain glory, or seeking popular applause; or He did not choose to be made more known by this miracle, or at this time, or by these men; He might have foreseen bad consequences; or to irritate the resentments of those against Him; or to keep the crowd from setting him up for a temporal king among them.

It would have been better for them to have obeyed His command of silence, their conduct is not to be commended: and yet their conduct is not without affording us means of inferring, how great is the effect which the power of Christ has on those who have experienced it. They spread abroad His fame in all that country. This they did, not in contempt of Christ and his orders; but rather out of gratitude, and through an honest zeal to spread his honor and glory. How could they not? Their eyes were just opened!

We have no such command to keep silent. If we have moved from death to life, and we were blind but now we see; how can we not tell all who will listen? I remember the exact time I was born again. It was literally as if I was blind my whole life and I was given sight.  Had a sin conscience and was fully aware that the Holy Spirit had entered my mind and my body, raising up a new creation. How could I not tell everyone? I was dead and now I live! How could I not proclaim His name? 

https://youtu.be/y3wuLWh9Zo4

Matthew 9:18-26

Do you believe Jesus? That he will do for other people? That he will do for you? Have you made room for him?

“She will live” In the beginning of this story- we see a ruler that comes to Jesus and worships himInteresting to note- That Jesus did not stop this ruler from worshipping him- why? Because he was God in the flesh. He accepted people’s worship because he was God. Lets join the story18 While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.” 19 So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciplesThis ruler, whomever he was- saw and heard of Jesus and he put his faith in Jesus that he could heal his daughter-  This man- however powerful and influential he may have been- knew- Jesus can do it. My daughter- she will live- all I need is for Jesus to just come and lay a hand on herThe Bible doesn’t say it- but I like to think that people in the OT had to have known a bit of scriptureMaybe- Psalm 42:5-6: Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.Somehow- this man knew where he needed to put his faith- and it was in JESUS- and watch this- it wasn’t even for himself- it was for his DAUGHTER. End of his rope- no where to turnHere’s the belief- it wasn’t even for himself- it was for SOMEONE ELSE. He BELIEVED for SOMEONE ELSES Miracle- A dead person who had no life that couldn’t believe for themselvesJob 42:10 And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

What does it mean to youAre you praying for your friends and family in faith? Are you believing that God can heal them?This week- Daneysha surgery- working on this sermon- SHE WILL LIVE- SHE WILL LIVEI was believing God for her this whole week- While she was in surgery- SHE WILL LIVEI’m her pastor- What do you think her husband was believing? SHE WILL LIVE James 5:16 says The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.I’m not exactly sure what fervent prayer looks like- but I’m guessing its powerful. Paul admonished Timothy to pray- to believe and pray for all men- 1 Timothy 2:1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,In ephesians too Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—There are people who either- cant or wont pray for themselves and believe for themselves- believe for them- pray for them- speak SHE WILL LIVE over them- believe Jesus CAN and WILL. Did Jesus not say-  John 14:13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.I believe that scripture- I believe that Jesus hears my prayer- I put my faith in him- I believe that he can and will move in peoples lives- I know it- I have seen it- There are have been seasons of my life where the Devil has taken up a mission upon my wife- Many years ago- I was plumb tired of it and went into a fast for 3 days for Romans 12:12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

“I shall be made well” 

The next part of this story is great- You’ve probably heard it before- Its oft spoken of 20 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. 21 For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” 22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.

https://youtu.be/o9gH8_MeJuw

Matt 9:14-17 Have you ever had someone try to get you to do something that you don’t want to do? Some activity or hobby that they love that you just don’t? “you’ll love it” no, you love it. Sometimes people try to get people to do Christian disciplines without heart change1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.Serving Jesus shouldn’t be a burden. It shouldn’t feel like a punishment or a push and if it does, you might need to go back to the cross and be renewed. Be born again- find that first loveChristian disciplines are a natural response to a submitted life towards Christ. It’s a response. Its not the way you find God- it’s the response to him finding youToday what you’re going to see is that Jesus is going to return, you need to be born again and you need to fast. Because “The days will come” We may not be in them right now, but they are coming soon. 

Christ is going to return

In this scripture, Jesus is questioned about the fasting of his disciples, and we’ll get into the nut and bolts of this- but I think an important distinction is that Jesus prophesied that he would leave- and he did – he also prophesied that he will return and he willJesus was preparing his followers that he would leave- and when he did- they should fast But about his departure he said-  Mark 13:32 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.they eagerly wait his return- but fasting while he was there wasn’t beneficial, because fasting prepares your heart to receive Christ- but if he was there- there’s no spiritual benefit to itRevelation 22:12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.Make no mistake friend- Jesus is coming soon- people say when, soon.  He said he was leaving- he said he was coming back. You can’t separate the two. We are in a in-between periodMatthew 24:37-39 But as the days of Noah were, READ- people think they have time. Just like the days of noah- they don’t. any minute he could returnPeople say “My master delays his coming” and right now he does- but we need to be readyJohn 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.Heb 9:28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.Christs return will occur when we least expect it- at a time when we are the least preparedSummers as a kid- mom leave a list- didn’t know when she was coming home- tried to time it1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 readWhat does it mean to youAre you expectantly awaiting Christs return and living as if he could return at any moment?I think many Christians exist and live in the here and now- not thinking of Christs returnWhenever I see people- Lord willing see you Sunday- 1 Thessalonians 5:2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.Revelation 3:3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.I don’t know if you’ve ever had your car or house broken into, but its unnervingWent on a walk with some church dudes, window smashed, wallet stole “if only I had” That’s going to be some people spiritually- “If only I had planned” but no second chance2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be [a]burned up.So the only answer is to be prepared at all times for the return of our savior.

Choose your Mountain Hebrews 12:18-24

Chapter 12 gives us a list of people (Great crowd of witnesses) who had great faith and that we ought to learn from  

Jesus Himself being one of the main examples, that He endured, torture and shame and now at the Right Hand of God, He has His reward 

Despite the many trials, these great men of Faith endured

That we can overcome and be victorious if we lay down things that easily fools us and lead us away from Christ, those that lead us away from our goals, the race that is set before us. 

We learnt from Pastor Crystal that the suffering we receive is supposed to strengthen us, if we can’t run with the foot man, how can we run with the horses 

Pastor Jeremy last Wednesday reminded us that we need to pursue peace with all people and not only that but also pursue Holiness – without Holiness we cannot see God!

This are all encouragement, it is possible to overcome, it’s possible to live a Holy life, it’s possible to worship and praise God in the middle of any circumstance because, He endured, and we too can/will endure 

The Hebrew writer continues to encourage us with this: 

Hebrews 12:18-24 (NLT) You have not come to a physical mountain,[a] to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai. 19 For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking. 20 They staggered back under God’s command: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”[b] 21 Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, “I am terrified and trembling.”[c]

No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. 23 You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. 24 You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel.

What is the writer talking about? 

The Past (Mt Sinai)

Mt Sinai, represents separation from God

A God who spoke from a distance – They were not allowed to touch the mountain 

Exodus 19:10-13 - 10 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. 11 And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. 13 Not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with an arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain.”

The writer is saying, do not forget how it used to be: 

On Mt Sinai, you were not allowed to even touch the mountain, animals as wellThe relationship with you and God was very far apart And if they tried to approach God, they wound die There was clear separation between God and man. God only appeared from a distance. No Holy Spirit in the people – No comforter, protector , companion

Matthew 9:9-13

https://youtu.be/GwM27Vb9LWg

As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.

Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, [a]to repentance.”

A man, Matthew ( also known as Levi) - A tax collector is sitting at a tax office 

Jesus looks at him and say’s to him – Follow me 

Of all the people Jesus would ask, He calls a tax collector

They worked for the Roman governmentThey were seen as traitors, they worked for the other side, the foreigners that came to take from the localsThey were charged with a certain amount and anything over, was for their keeps They abused the system and only fed their mouths They were despised – If you ever know or read about colonization you would understand

Let’s paint a picture, you are in America today and another country comes over and takes over America, you are now required to pay taxes to them and they pretty much own you

And some of our people decide to work with these oppressive country to inflict oppression to you

 And you see Jesus the one that is supposed to save them from the Romans 

And you can’t help but ask, why is Jesus talking to the sinners?

I can see why the Pharisees were asking the question- What is Jesus doing

Jesus is passing by 

In Matthews life it another week, Day starts out like any other

The Bible does not tell us if Matthew had heard of Jesus before but knowing that he was powerful, it would be safe to assume so 

He has his life set, but there must have been something missing on the inside 

We all know that feeling when we are looking great on the outside, yet inside, there is a miss

The “thing” was not strong enough to get him up and go look for Jesus but it was enough to bring awareness that a change is necessary

He had learnt to live in this state – Afterall, he had great job, good friends, many FB friends, his Instagram was popping with luxuries and new this and the lavished life 

Jesus comes by and there is a call, Matthew doesn’t know that this is what he needed but there is a stirring in his heart 

We don’t know if he has been just going with the motion, if he felt caught up and there was no way out 

He hears the call come and for the first time in his life, there is an opportunity to change his life 

He has a choice to make, ignore the call and keep on pretending that he is complete 

Or, heeds the call and let healing begin

Like some of us- We know deep inside that we are not who we ought to be, who God has called us to be

We have addictions, behaviors, places we frequent, things we look at online or in person, in a relationship that is toxic, things that we are afraid to confront

https://youtu.be/Xd2qbJNGG3c

Nullius Filius

“And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather healed”

Hebrews‬ 12:5-13‬ NKJV‬‬

In the English law, an illegitimate child is termed "nullius filius." Latin, a son of nobody. The KJV uses the old English word, “bastard”. (tell my story)

Illegitimate children are usually abandoned by their father. The care of them is left to the mother, and the father endeavors to avoid all responsibility, and usually to be concealed and unknown. His own child he does not wish to recognize; he neither provides for him; nor instructs him; nor governs him; nor disciplines him. A father, who is worthy of the name, will do all these things. It is the duty of a father to chasten his children.

So the writer of Hebrews says it is with Christians. God has not cast these persecuted and afflicted believers off. In every way God demonstrates toward us the character of a Father. And if it should be that we went through this life without any occurrence that would indicate the care and attention of a loving Father designed to correct our faults, it would show that we never had been His children, but were cast off and wholly disregarded. This is a beautiful argument; and we should receive every affliction as full proof that we are not forgotten by the Almighty God who condescends to sustain to us good character, and to demonstrate toward us the watchful care of a Father.

The term here “chasten” is translated in the most general sense. It means “to bring forth blood” by whatever means necessary

And scourges every son whom he receives: scourges denotes the highest degree of chastening, even with the sharpest punishment, wherein God proceeds with all and every son or daughter, no exceptions, whom he hath adopted and received.

“And you have forgotten this message of chastening” the writer of Hebrews tells them. This message of chastening and afflictions has been lost in the false love gospel. God is producing obedient and righteous children, not spoiled disobedient and rebellious brats. Affliction is good and pure and has a purpose of refining.

Afflictions, should be regarded as chastening and not as small matters, for these reasons:

(1) The fact that they are sent by God. Whatever He does is of importance, and is worthy of the profound attention of His people.

(2) they are sent for some important purpose, and should be regarded, therefore, with attentive concern.

Psalm 94:12 ESVBlessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your law, 

Rev 3:19 NKJVAs many as I love,

https://youtu.be/Lvu2BggsprY

Matthew 9:1-8  

Bring people to Jesus

. 2 Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bedThe beginning of this story shows Jesus going to his own city and some guys bring him a paralyticIts interesting that Jesus saw THEIR faith- not the faith of the one who was to be healed. Its also interesting that Jesus cared more about this man sins than he cared about his situationBenson- By this Jesus intimated, both to the paralytic and to those who brought him, 1st, that sin is the source of all our evils; 2dly, that, sin being forgiven, bodily distempers can do us no real or lasting harm; 3dly, that the primary end of his coming into the world was to save his people from their sins; Did you catch that? 1. Sin is the source of all of our evils 2. Being forgiven of sin is more important that body problems. 3. Jesus came to save sins, not to fix all of our worldly problems. Therefore- if sin is the source of all of our problems, shouldn’t we make it a focus to bring people to be set free from the law of sin and death? Shouldn’t we help people to be set free from sin?Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.Matthew 28:19 Go [a]therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,What is the Gospel? Its very simple- Jesus came to save people from the penalty of their sinsThat’s why in this story he says that healing is easy- but only God can forgive sin- Theres two parts you can get from this first part- One- your faith can bring someone to Jesus to be set free 2. Jesus came to forgive sin- healing is secondary- he can do that too, but not primaryWhat does it mean to you? Are you bringing people to Jesus? Are you helping them be healed and set free?Jesus is a healer! Matt 8:16 Healed all who were ill Matt 12:15 He healed them all Matt 14:14 Healed their sick Luke 4:40 He was healing them Luke 9:11 Curing those who had need of healing Mark 3:10 He had healed many Matt 8:7 “I will come and heal him” Jesus can and will heal people- that is true- but his PRIMARY mission was to forgive SINSo when we read in the Bible- we see that the earliest disciples went and preached this2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.In this story we see people with Faith, bringing people to Jesus- we should bring people to Jesus- it should be what we think about and what we are about- bringing people to Jesus1 Corinthians 9:22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.We’re not going to save them all, but we can save some- we can lead some- have FAITH2 Timothy 4:5b do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.Whens the last time you shared your testimony with someone? Whens the last time you invited someone to church? Whens the last time you lead someone to Christ? There are hurting people all around- look for them- bring them to Jesus!Luke 14:23 Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 1 Corinthians 1:17 Romans 10:1 

Forgive people

So Jesus comes and he heals this guy and forgives him as well- what do the scribes do?3 And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!”Why did they say this? They didn’t think Jesus was God- and only God can forgive sinTo them- they didn’t believe in Jesus, so it was blasphemy to forgive- which, ok, somewhat understandable somewhat- but they didn’t even rejoice that this guy was healed- They wanted him to stay in his sin? They wanted him to be a paralytic? Infirmed?

https://youtu.be/QIAk5n-iGlw

Intro story- homeless 

Hebrews 12:14-17

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; 16 lest there be any fornicator or [a]profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

I didn’t pursue peace with that man

It ended up ruining the rest of my night

I had an unsettling feeling late into the night

I could’ve helped that man and instead I was lead by emotion and not peace

The scripture says pursue peace with all people and holiness without which no one will see the Lord

I had an opportunity to represent Christ to this man and I failed. What if this was the only time or last time someone could represent Christ to him

It was a few days later that Pj gave me this scripture to preach and immediately prayed Lord what do you want me to know about peace

Its funny how the Lord works because he started showing me areas of my life that I don’t pursue peace

I was like that’s not what I mean show me other people not me

So what does it mean to pursue peace

The word pursue is a verb, and to pursue something means to actively chase after it, to follow it , or seek it out

Psalm 34:14

14 Depart from evil and do good;Seek peace and pursue it.

We need to be people that relentlessly chase after peace with people 

Jesus tells us we should be peacemakers

Matthew 5:9

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God.

Story-man

Here are some areas that we can strive to chase after peace with people in our lives

Some places we can start are grocery stores, work, school, or any other interactions you have with people

We should actively be peaceful with people at our jobs

Don’t be the person that as bad interactions with people at work and then end up not being at peace

Don’t let the bad experience get to a point where you leave work then complain about your coworkers to anyone that will listen

That’s not pursing peace. Its better to talk with people and resolve the situation

If you allow it to build up overtime you will start to hold a grudge and become bitter

Allow the Holy Spirit to calm you down and make peace with them

It would also do some people well to just stop talking on social media

That is a very easy place to allow frustration to set in and not be peaceful

Stop saying whatever you want whenever you want then have on your Profile “Christian”

Some arguments I see on facebook are just ridiculous. Word of advice, you know people can see stuff you are commenting even if we aren’t friends with the same people.

Don’t let social media keep you from pursing peace if you have to delete it then do it

Remember we are held accountable for every idle word we speak.

https://youtu.be/7QO6FLFEEjA

Matthew 8:28-33 As always- interesting story- (Explain story)It's no different today- whole cities of people reject Jesus every day. Seattle police chief recently rescinded an invite from a National Christian organization because they were ‘filled with hate’ Leave- we don’t want you here Jesus-. It's happening more often. Schools, TV, Movies, workplaces, they don’t want Christians there. We’re labeled. We’re ostracized. Not invited. We look at them and we say “how could they beg Jesus to depart”? And we may not say it without mouths- but many of us beg Jesus to depart from us every single day. Why did they beg him to depart?

They begged him because demons had become the norm

READ v 28-29Demon possession is real - Job 2:2the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”in this town- its clear that the people had gotten used to the demons and just avoided themIt says “exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way.”To me- that says- you know, we know that there is a place in the city that is overcome with demons- but we’re not going to go there and do some spiritual warfare and fix it- we’re just going to go around it. Eph 4:27 nor give place to the devil.- and these people had given place to the devil. Forwhatever reason- they thought it better to just avoid the problem instead of facing the problemTo them- just let the demons demon- let them have their way- we’ll just learn to live with themvisit this old lady when I was kid- house had cockroaches- she’d name them- better to clean?So in part- when these people come to Jesus at the edge of the city and beg him to leave- its because Jesus had upset their norm. what they were used to- how they did businessIts like when an addict gets clean and goes back to the house- they house knew how to deal with addiction- don’t know how to deal with healthy- it can create problems. So they beg him- Just leave Jesus- we didn’t want you to deal with this possession- we didn’t ask you to fix our issues- just leave- we liked our pet demons- Maybe it created a distraction so they wouldn’t have to deal with their own issues- liked having issues to blame their problems on? Who knowsWhat does it mean to youAre you begging Jesus to leave because you like your demons? Have you let them take up residence and now they are so much a part of the family you’re naming them like cockroaches?Matthew 12:43-45 READ when the unclean spirit has gone out of personDemons are real- possession and oppression - if you don’t deal with it- it just comes backBut people think they can play with this withcraft and it wont bother them- that everything okYou can’t camp in Sodom and expect that you wont come out smelling like smoke- 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.ever had a kid go spend the night with a bad kid and come back with their spirit on them?You got to cast that thing out- you cant let that spirit take up with your kid- thinking its okthey accustomed to the demon possession and had adjusted their lives to avoid itWhat you should do when it comes to demons? Put on the whole armor of God. Get prayed upEphesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [a]wiles of the devil.Demon possession is real folks. Everything isn’t a demon, but there are principalities involved in this world that you have to be aware of. If you don’t you can find yourself in a bad placeYou must James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.Submit to God- put up a fight- pray over yourself, your family, your house, where you go- Watch what you watch, who you associate with, and what you take part in- 2 Cor 2:11 lest Satan ...